Lumbosacral computed tomography (%CT) is an X-ray based non-invasive imaging modality utilized for the evaluation of abnormalities in the lumbar spine and surrounding structures. CT lumbosacral spine may be used to assess abnormalities such as; lumbar spine injury, lumbar spine fracture, infection, tumours, cancers, vasculature of the lumbar spine, nerves of the lumbar spine etc. CT uses X-ray pictures taken at various angles, is able to produce three-dimensional images, and is analyzed by computer to make an evaluation. CT lumbar Spine is more informative than plain X-ray but more costly.
What is Lumbar Spine CT?
Lumbar spine CT (Computed Tomography) is the non-invasive diagnostic method which employs X-rays for the detection of Lumbar spine disorders. CT Lumbar spine can diagnose diseases like Lumbar spine injuries, Lumbar spine fractures, bone dislocation of lumbar, infections of Lumbar spine, disorders of blood vessels etc. CT uses X-rays and help to take the pictures in various directions with the help of a computer and generate 3D images. CT Lumbar spine is possible with or without contrast based on necessity and suggested by the doctor.
What is the Contrast enhanced CT of Lumbar spine (CECT Lumbar spine)?
Lumbar spine (LS) CT, or contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT), is high level CT technology, using contrast material to assist in the detection of abnormalities in the Lumbar spine.
In the contrast Lumbar spine CT, a contrast material containing iodine is injected through the IV, for the best diagnostic images. The use of the contrast material in Lumbar spine CT assists in enhancing the quality of the image of the Lumbar spine and the added benefit of detecting any abnormalities.
What are the Uses of CT Lumbar spine?
There are various uses of CT Lumbar spine and some of them are stated below:
- To seek Lumbar spine fractures
- To seek Lumbar spine injuries
- Used to seek tumors in lumbar spine
- To seek vessels of lumbar spine
- To search for nerves of lumbar spine
- Lumbar spine birth defects
- To direct treatment of lumbar spine
- To search for structural defects
Conclusion
Used for the diagnosis of Lumbar spine problems, a CT lumbar spine (or computed tomography) is the only tool that can find Lumbar spine problems. A CT lumbar spine uses x-rays to make cross sectional images of lumbar spine cord. It is computer assisted not only in generating cross sectional images but also in making coherent 3D images of lumbar spine cord.
Other modalities to investigate for abnormalities include, MRI, CT, PET CT, X-rays, MR Angiography lumbar spine, etc. CT can be done either with contrast material or without contrast material. The contrast material utilized in a CT imaging provides clarity of images and also to help identify abnormalities in the lumbar spine.
