Computed tomography of the spine

Park, C M; Suh, S J; Ahn, C Y

Abstract

It is well known that the CT is very useful in identifying the boy structures and adjacent soft tissuses ofthe spine. We have studied 69 cases of spine CT with EMI-CT 5005 whole body scanner from Oct. 1977 to Aug. 1979.The results were as follows; 1. CT of the spine provided the normal cross sectional anatomy which was not shown bythe conventional radiographies including tomography. Spinal canal consists of osseous and articular segments. 2.CT of the spine permitted the diagnosis of hypertrophy of superior and inferior facets and adjacent lamina,causing encroachment into the lumbar spinal canal, which was often not shown by the conventional examination. 3.In tumorous conditions, CT demonstrated more precise localization, contour and extent of intra-and extra-spoinaltumor. 4. Under CT guidance, exact pathologic diagnosis could be made by percutaneous needle biopsy, andtherapeutic percutaneous needle aspiration was possible in case of cyst or abscess. 5. We experienced one case ofintramedullary astrocytoma enhancing homogenously by contrast medium injection. 6. The followings are thought tobe important limitations of the spin CT. First, the distinction of spinal cord from subarachnoid space anddefinition of nerve root pouches is difficult and misleading due to artifact and computer program limitationsrelated to the encircling bone. Second, precise and reproducible positioning is difficult to achieve. Third,without coronal or sagittal scanning (or reconstruction), the important longitudinal dimension of the spinal canalis difficult to appreciated fully.