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Lumbosacral spine CT

• Overview
• Risks

Definition:

A lumbosacral spine CT is a computed topography of the lower spine and surrounding tissues.

Alternative Names:

Spinal CT; CT - lumbosacral spine

How the test is performed:

The CT is performed with the patient lying face-up.

In some cases, an iodine-based contrast dye may be injected into a vein to help visualize tissues. In other cases, a CT of the lumbosacral spine may be performed after injecting contrast dye into the spinal canal during a lumbar puncture , to further check for pressure on the nerves.

The scan will usually last a few minutes.

How to prepare for the test:

The patient should remove all jewelry or other metals that may cause inaccurate images.

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 a contrast dye is given through a vein, you may initially feel a slight burning sensation in the injected arm, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually disappear within a few seconds.

Why the test is performed:

A CT scan is an excellent tool for evaluating fractures and degenerative changes of the spine (such as from arthritis). MRI is a superior exam for imaging the spinal cord and intervertebral disks.

• Review Date: 10/25/2006
• Reviewed By: Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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