| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | A CT scan of the lower spine and surrounding tissues. |
| Alternative Names | Spinal CT; CT of lumbosacral spine |
| How the test is performed | The CT is performed with the patient on his/her back. Rarely, an intravenous iodine-based contrast agent may be injected to improve the visualization of tissues. As well, a CT of the lumbosacral spine may be performed after injection of contrast into the spinal canal during a lumbar puncture to further evaluate for nerve root compression. The scan will last less than a few minutes. |
| How to prepare for the test | The patient should remove all jewelry or other metals that may cause artifact in the images. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year) toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years) preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years) schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years) adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years) |
| How the test will feel | The X-rays are painless. The primary discomfort may be from the need to lie still on the table. If intravenous contrast dye is given, the patient may initially feel a slight burning sensation within the injected arm, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually reside within a few seconds. |
| Why the test is performed | A CT scan is an excellent tool for evaluation of the vertebral bodies including fractures and degenerative changes (such as from arthritis). MRI is a superior exam for imaging of the spinal cord and intervertebral discs. |
| Normal Values | |
| What abnormal results mean | Conditions that may be revealed include:cysttumor "pinched nerve" disc herniation vertebral fractureosteoarthritis neoplastic (new abnormal tissue formation) disease infection metabolic disease Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:osteomalacia |
| What the risks are | Iodine is the usual contrast media (dye). Some patients are allergic to iodine and may experience a reaction that may include hives , itching , nausea , breathing difficulty , or other symptoms. As with any X-ray examination, radiation is potentially harmful. Consult your health care provider about the risks if multiple CT scans are needed over a period of time. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should consult their health care provider about the risk to the fetus. |
| Special considerations | |
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