Ct scan of the lumbosacral spine & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a ct scan of the lumbosacral spine?

Computed tomography (CT) scan, often also referred to as a CAT scan, is a type of X-ray that produces cross-sectional images of specific parts of the body. A CT scan of the lumbosacral spine is a CT scan of the lower spine and surrounding tissue.

When do I need a lumbosacral CT scan?

CT quickly displays detailed images of the body. Lumbosacral spine CT can evaluate fractures and changes in the spine, such as those caused by arthritis. This test can also be used during or after x-rays of the spinal cord and spinal cord roots (myelography) or x-ray disks (discography).

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before having a ct scan of the lumbosacral spine?

Sometimes the results of your CT test may differ from the results of other types of X-rays. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasonic scan, because a CT scan provides a different view. Children who need a CT scan may need special instructions for the test. Children who are still minors may find it difficult to remain silent and feel scared, the doctor can give drugs (sedatives) to the child to make him relax. If your child is scheduled for a CT scan, discuss with your pediatrician about the need for the scan and the risk of radiation exposure for your child.

An MRI can provide more information than a CT scan of the spinal discs and spinal cord. When a CT scan of the spine is done with a myelogram, it is called a CT myelogram. MRI of the spine is often done at the CT myelogram site.

Process

What should I do before having a ct scan of the lumbosacral spine?

You should wear loose and comfortable clothes because you will be asked to lie down on a table. You will also be asked to remove jewelry and other metal items from your body. Tell your doctor if you have metal implants from a previous procedure.

Before getting into a CT scan, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• oral contrast (barium) allergy
• diabetes, fasting can lower your blood sugar levels
• pregnancy

How is the lumbosacral CT scan process?

You will be asked to lie down on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. You will need to lie on your back for this test.

When you are inside the scanner, the x-ray machine will rotate around you.

The tiny detector inside the scanner measures the number of x-rays passing through the part of the body that is being studied. A computer will use this information to create a number of images, which are called irises. These images can be saved, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. Three-dimensional organ models can be created by stacking individual slices together.

You must remain still during the test, as movement will cause the image to blur. You may be asked to hold your breath for a short time.

In some cases, an iodine-based dye, called contrast, may be injected into your vein before taking pictures. Contrast can highlight specific areas in the body, which makes images appear clearer.

In other cases, a lumbosacral spine CT may be performed after injecting a contrast dye into the spinal canal during a lumbar injection to check pressure on the nerves.

The scan usually takes several minutes.

What should I do after having a lumbosacral CT scan?

After this test, you can change clothes and go about your normal activities

The results of the CT scan will usually be processed in one day. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of your scan and let you know how to proceed based on the results of the test. Your doctor may order additional scans, blood tests, or other diagnostic procedures to help you get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal Results

Results are considered normal if no problems are seen in the lumbosacral area in the images.

Abnormal Results

CT of the lumbosacral spine can reveal the following conditions or diseases:

• cyst
• hernia
• infection
• cancer that has spread to the spine
• osteoarthritis
• osteomalacia
• pinched nerve
• tumor
• vertebral fracture