Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Of The Spine: Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
A CT scan of the spine is done to:
- Look at the bones of the spine (vertebrae).
- Find problems of the spine, such as tumors, fractures, deformities, infection, or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
- Find a herniated disc of the spine.
- Check to see if osteoporosis has caused compression fractures.
- Check on problems of the spine that have been present since birth (congenital).
- Look at problems seen during a standard X-ray test.
- Check how well spinal surgery or therapy is working for a spine problem.
| Last updated: | July 19, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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