J Korean Neurosurg Soc.
1982 Dec;11(4):523-531.
Diagnostic Value of Spinal Computed Tomography Scan
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
- Since Di Chiro et al. first reported on computed tomography(CT) in syringomyelia, spinal CT has slowly but steadily gained in importance. Recently, application of advanced scanning equipment has led to considerable progress in the evaluation of spinal canal and disc diseases. Since April to December 1982 we have evaluated 96 spine patients by a high-resolution GE 8800 CT scanner. 1) High-resolution non-enhanced CT images provide clear visualization of soft tissue as well as bony structures of the spine, particularly of the lumbar spine. 2) Unenhanced CT of the lumbar spine is highly effective in the diagnosis of herniated disc or the evaluation of bony entrapment syndrome. 3) High-resolution CT aids in the evaluation of destructive neoplastic disease and of burst fracture of the spine. 4) So high-resolution CT is considered the most important noninvasive primary screening test in the diagnosis of herniated lumbar disc or spinal stenosis as well as in the evaluation of primary or metastatic spinal lesion.
