Survey of CT spine. Computer tomography of the lumbosacral spine. What shows computer tomography spine

CT spine is to obtain images of all vertebral column departments using X-ray radiation. The studied area of \u200b\u200bthe human body is scanned immediately at different angles. The information received is processed by a computer and issued in the form of layered pictures. Since the tomograph can get pictures in different sections, they are very clear, and do not interfere with seeing soft fabrics located behind them. Modern equipment allows you to scan very quickly, sometimes in a few seconds.

What shows CT spine? This method of examination of the human body allows you to consider in detail and explore the vertebrae, their processes, intervertebral discs, ligaments and spinal cords, as well as assess the condition of soft tissues located near the spinal column (cartilage, tendons, muscles, vessels). CT issues clear and detailed images of organs, bones, and vessel systems, which distinguishes it from X-ray examination.

As a rule, CT is prescribed for the study of diseases, pathologies and injuries in the field of the back. The study can also be appointed if a person complains about constant headaches, pain in the back of obscure origin. Such a study can be appointed by doctors to prevent diseases, especially people engaged in severe physical work with strong loads on the back, and athletes.

Indications for CT Spine

MRI better "sees" soft fabrics (muscles, brain, nerves, intervertebral discs, vessels), but not suitable for studying dense structures, so CT is assigned to study bone tissue.

The diseases of the spine, especially osteochondrosis, are found in a huge number of people and occupy a significant proportion among neurological and musculoskeletal deviations. For diagnostics used only radiography, which in recent years has been successfully replaced by tomography. In particular, the CT spine is a very accurate diagnostic method, which allows you to find any back health breach.

The machine for computed tomography allows you to make a detailed, layer-by-layer scanning of our main support mechanism - spine. Computer tomographs use minimal dosages of X-ray radiation, the dose of which does not exceed the standard during radiography, and in the latter generation tomographs - much lower it.

The informativeness of the pictures of CT is very high. The thing is that scanning is carried out in three projections with cuts in 1-2 millimeters, so the resulting picture will accurately reflect the state of a vertebral post. Additionally, when CT spine will be visualized to the vertebrae:

Internal organs.
Bones.
Soft fabrics.
Blood vessels
Nervous trunks and plexus.

As for the spine itself, after CT, its condition with detailed information about vertebrae, intervertebral cartilage, ostic processing, the spinal channel will be clearly seen.

The advantages of the CT spine are undoubted:

High scan speed
Accuracy
Great potential in diagnosis
The possibility of performing CT with contrast

CT spine departments in hernia

It is the hernia of an intervertebral disk that is the main indication for the survey of the spinal column. Make CT is recommended to everyone who suffers from sharp pains in the back, does not tolerate the load on the back, it has sharp in the leg, hand and other serious symptoms. The hernia is a complication of the started form of osteochondrosis of the spine and is able to follow the existing protrusia.

Most often, hernias are found in the lower back, therefore the most popular type of tomography - CT of the lumbosacral spinal column. In this case, the bottom segment of the spine, the crushes and the tailbone are scanned. If necessary, there is a survey of two zones of the spine, but not more - due to the use of X-rays.

Indications for spelling tomography

Often, patients are recommended by CT on the cervical spine. In the initial segment, the size of the vertebrae is very small, as well as the thickness of the disks, so the probability of the development of the protrusions and hernia is also great here. Also, the survey will help estimate the state of the first two vertebrae and the craniteractic transition (joint with the base of the skull), where sometimes there are fractures and other pathologies.

CT on the thoracic spine is most often appointed with different types of deformation and curvature. Osteochondrosis here meets less often, but scoliosis and other anomalies and deviations - often. In general, the main indications of the tomography of the spine on the departments are:

Vertebral deformations, processes
Spinal stenosis
Intervertebral hernias
Bone fabric abnormal
Destruction of the spine
Injuries
Hematoma
Stagnation in muscles

The procedure will help to see the neoplasm at the earliest stage, including cancer and benign tumors, as well as metastases. Usually, the diffraction of pathology with benign tumors is performed by the CT spine with contrast. The contrast agent will also be necessary to identify problems with vessels, for example, with a vertebral artery. Tomography is needed for emergency diagnosis - in injuries, injuries, urgent operations, as well as before the planned operation and to control its results.

Regular headaches
Fainting
Pain under the blade, in ribs
Pain in the lower back
Irradiating pain
Hand numbness, legs
Some types of violations by domestic organs

Preparation for the procedure

If the CT is carried out with the introduction of a contrast agent, it is recommended not to eat 6 hours before the survey. Tomography of the cervical, thoracic segment of the spine without contrast preparation does not require. When the patient is recommended to scan the lower spoken department, the following measures should be taken on the preparation:

Refusal to food raising gas formation, 2 days before CT
Consumption of dishes with rice
If necessary, reception to the procedure of the drug "Espumizan", as well as "but-shp" (with strong gas formation and active intestinal peristalsis)
In the evening on the eve of CT - formulation of purifying enema
Abstinence from food intake for 8 hours

Directly for the examination you need to come in loose clothes, removing the decoration, the clock, removing the phone in the bag (things usually remain in a special utility room). With you, you should take previous surveys and an outpatient card.

How do the CT vertebral pillar

Before scanning, the patient falls on the couch. If it is necessary, a contrast agent is introduced through the vein. Throughout the procedure, he should not move at all. The table is rushing under the cylindrical device of tomograph, after which the doctor comes out of the room. Next, a series of pictures is performed, while they are recorded on the tape and decrypted by the computer.

According to the pictures, the X-ray specialist makes it deciphering the state of the surveyed spine and adjacent tissues to it. Prints of images with a description are transmitted to the patient, which should transmit them to the guide to the CT doctor.

The CT procedure takes only 5 minutes if it comes to scanning one spine. The survey of two departments will take two times more - about 10 minutes. The method is very fast, painless, which only increases its dignity.

The price of the procedure varies depending on the type of clinic, the type of tomograph (multi-section CT is usually expensive). On average, the cost is 2500-3800 rubles for the diagnosis of the state of one spine segment.

Who is contraindicated by KT.

CT with contrast is prohibited in allergies to iodine, hyperthyroidism, a number of other somatic diseases. CT as a radiographic research method is prohibited on any gestation. When lactation, it is possible to make the procedure, but breastfeeding should be suspended at least per day.

CT backs are carried out limited when:

Large body weight
Claustrophobia
Other phobias and mental disorders
Strong pain in the back
Heavy heart disease

Compression fracture of the spine
Tumors of the spine
Osteochondrosis
Spondylose
Intervertebral hernia
Prudrunza
Scoliosis
Kyphosis
Pathological lordosis
Compression of vessels and nerves
Spinal stenosis
Spondloarthrosis
Bekhtereva's disease
Tuberculosis of the spine
Sheermann-Mau's disease
Spondylitis
Osteoporosis of the spine

CT spine departments is much more efficient than radiography, reflect the state of the back and neck, allowing you to establish an accurate diagnosis. Its cost is higher, but results and safety is more incomparably, which should be a determining factor for the patient.

The method by which it manages to explore the human body through its "shocking" in different intersecting planes is computed tomography (CT). Until recently, the survey was carried out using conventional X-ray. Such a diagnostic method was uninformative and had a negative impact on the patient. A computed tomography came to replace him, which allows to obtain a clear detailed image of all internal organs and human tissues.

CT Departments of the Spine: The essence of the research method

CT allows specialists using computer processing to explore any spine department. Due to X-ray irradiation with the use of modern technologies, it is possible to scan the body with layers with a thickness of 0.5 to 1 mm. This diagnostic method has a number of benefits:

the ability to check each spine department;
the image is maximally detailed;
can be monitored during biopsy and puncture;
after the operation, the recovery dynamics of the patient is monitored;
angiography can be performed.

With the help of the CT spine, intervertebral hernias are detected, congenital abnormalities of vertebrals and joints, injuries with displacement, cysts, neoplasms, metastases, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis and other pathologies. If the patient has a breast cancer or prostate, then the examination of patients should be held on a regular basis, as high risk of metastasis in the spine.

Computer tomograph works on the following principle:

Indications for diagnostics

The testimony for CT is very diverse. Sometimes the patient needs to examine the cervical department, since the small dimensions of the vertebrae in this area do not allow to identify hernia and protrusion when using other diagnostic methods. In suspected of a fracture of the base of the skull or identify the pathology of the first two vertebrae of CT more informative. Often, computed tomography is carried out by patients with deformation or curvature of the thoracic spine.

The main indications of CT include:

various injuries of the spine;
strong tension in muscles;
hernia;
pathological narrowing of blood vessels;
development of destructive changes of the vertebrae;
bone abnormal abnormalities.

Thanks to modern methods, diagnostics can identify new formation at the early stage of their development and metastase. The entered contrast allows you to see clear snapshots of the vertebral artery in case of problems with vessels.

Often, the tomograph saves life to patients who suffered a serious injury that received a serious injury or in the event of an emergency operation. Doctors quickly reveal the affected areas, which further avoids serious complications.

Screening studies using CT are carried out with the following symptoms:

pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe belt, under the blade or in the ribs;
numbness or legs;
frequent headaches;
violations in the work of the internal organs;
irradizing pain pain;
periodic loss of consciousness.

Contraindications

Although tomography is to relatively safe diagnostic methods, it is prohibited by some people. A serious contraindication to the CT of the spine is the pregnancy of the patient. It's all about the negative impact of X-ray radiation on the fruit in the womb.

Such a survey cannot be held for young children, although in some cases, computed tomography is still appointed. You can minimize the risks by resorting to another diagnostic method - MRI.

If a person has psychoneurological disorders, this fact will also be considered a contraindication. Frequent involuntary movements during the procedure can distort the image, the results of the CT will be unreliable. Sometimes such patients are spent under anesthesia.

Tomograph table is designed for weight not more than 150 kilograms, so people with overweight will be denied in conducting a survey. Allergic response to contrast, renal failure and pathological changes of the heart are direct contraindications of CT.

Preparations for the CT of the Vertem

To the CT patient must be prepared. Improve the image quality of the lower vertebral post departments can be adhering to a special diet. A couple of days before the procedure, the procedure should be denied food capable of leading to elevated gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract. Bakery products, dairy products Vegetables, fruits and legumes must be excluded.

Immediately before scanning, preparations can be taken to reduce the number of gases in the intestine (activated carbon, espeamizan, etc.) and antispasmodics (but-shap), contributing to the decrease in the peristaltics.

Technology conducting a survey

Before the patient is placed on a tomograph couch, he should remove all accessories with metal components, otherwise the shadows that impede diagnosis will be seen on the resulting images. Clothing should be free, not constrainting movements in which for a long time a person will comfortably take a supreme position.

The patient is located on the couch lying on the back, hands behind the head. So that during the procedure the patient does not move, it is fixed by belts, sometimes the doctor may ask him to delay the breath, so that the pictures get better. The contrast agent is introduced into the vein before the start of scanning.

When the preparation is completed, the couch along with a person moves inside the device. Medical workers during the procedure leave the room, moving to a neighboring room, where there is a special window for monitoring the patient.

Tomograph takes pictures, after which they are processed by a computer. The doctor then analyzes the pictures, evaluates their quality and clarity if all the requirements are observed, the procedure is over.

What do shown CT pictures show?

A radiologist or a specialist in the field of radiation diagnostics is taken for deciphering the images of the pictures, it takes on average from half an hour. In addition to CT, the doctor takes into account the results of additional examinations, the conclusions of highly qualified specialists of other specialties and epicrises on the patient's condition at appropriate therapy.

By what it shows CT, a doctor manages to determine the presence of pathological changes in organs and tissues related to diseases available in patient. That conclusion, which gives an x-ray, is not a diagnosis. Only the attending physician who collected an anamnesis was able to determine the exact cause of the illness, which gathered an examination, examined the results of analyzes and tests. The resulting pictures can be provided to the patient on a digital medium, in printed form on paper or film.

Spiral computed tomography

The best diagnostic method of examining soft tissues of the human body today is a spiral computed tomography (CT), its principle of operation is similar to classical computer tomography, but the harmful effects of X-ray radiation are reduced several times. Spiral computed tomograph allows you to quickly and detail the various pathological processes occurring in:

brain;
liver;
spleen;
pancreas.

Also, snapshots of the skt allow you to reveal the neoplasms in soft tissues. With this method, it is possible to determine damage to the internal organs, the spinal cord, the spine and the gastrointestinal tract obtained as a result of injury.

If a person is treated, the CCT will help track the positive dynamics of the patient's condition at the appointed therapy. So doctors manages to assign effective treatment, which will help to quickly help the patient and avoid relapses in the future.

With the development of technologies, multi-section or multispiral tomography appeared (MSCT) thanks to which it is possible to spend scanning much faster, increase the anatomical coating zone and contrast resolution.

Cost of examination

How much will it cost a similar procedure? The cost of computed tomography may vary depending on:

volumes of the study area;
the use of a contrast agent (survey price above);
type of apparatus (spiral, multispirate, classic);
provided discounts and existing shares.

If a similar procedure is rendered in the Moscow clinic, then its value will be on average 100 dollars. In Belarus, such a medical service will be twice as cheaper, about 50 cu In Kiev, the spine scanning costs 40 dollars. If the introduction of a contrast agent is required, the price will be two times higher. Israeli and German clinics offer to make MSCT at a price of 850 to 1000 dollars.

CT spine is a survey of the vertebra on computed tomography. Such a device differs from radiography with a large volume of functions, the presence of a clear three-dimensional image and the ability to scan in transverse and longitudinal projections. This leads to the fact that all internal organs, soft and bone fabrics, nervous threads, blood vessels are better displayed.

During the survey on the CT spine, all parts of it are very clear:

intervertebral discs;
vertebrae;
the spinal cord canal (partially visible).

The CT procedure has several stages.

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The patient must lie on the table and, if possible, do not move.
The table moves along a cylindrical scanner.
When the first part of the pictures will be executed, the table is retractable back.
Doctors patient introduce a contrast agent. At this stage, it is necessary to carefully observe the occurrence of an allergic reaction.
The table is moving along the cylindrical scanner. A number of snapshots are held, which are recorded on a magnetic tape.
After the last study, it is once again to make sure that the patient has no symptoms of vomiting, dizziness and nausea.

During CT, experts set the parameters of the ray. They make small sections, of which the image is compiled.

In the pictures, doctors can determine the deformation of intervertebral discs and vertebrae, poor blood circulation, damage to the spinal channel, various kinds of fractures, the presence of hematomas and muscle stoles.

Printed images are transmitted to the patient, and their electronic version is saved in the computer, in archive documents. Therefore, if necessary, you can always restore pictures.

When CT pass

Elements that cannot be traced on radiography should be examined on more powerful devices, which is a computed tomography.

In modern times, such a procedure can be carried out for a variety of purposes:

screening;
emergency diagnostics;
planned diagnostics;
full examination before surgery.

Screening examination is carried out in the case when the patient has no symptoms of the disease. So, the CT of the cervical spine is assigned in some cases:

impassable pain in the head;
the presence of constant faint states;
cervical and head damage without loss of consciousness.

Emergency diagnostics takes place when the patient has a critical state of health, which can occur for several reasons:

spinal fracture;
injuries concerning the damage to the spinal cord;
the presence of compressed vessels.

The planned diagnosis of the CT spine is carried out to determine the exact diagnosis of the patient in the case when the disease is accompanied by some states:

intervertebral hernia;
determining the severity of congenital spinal defects;
the presence of tumors on the spine;
spondlis and so on.

Contraindications and precautions

Like other scanning devices, with CT spine may arise contraindications to prevent:

it is forbidden to carry out a procedure for people having allergies and individual intolerance to iodine and iodine-containing products;
it is forbidden to conduct a procedure for pregnant women on any time;
patients suffering from claustrophobia disease, before immersion in the scanner capsule, must be taken sedatives;
CT are not conducted in cases where the patient's body mass exceeds the mass of the device;
people who feel painful backs in the back should anesthetize them, drinking analgesic medicines.

CT lumbar spine

After the CT of the lumbar spine can see the general condition of bone tissue, partly the structure of the spinal channel. If the situation is somewhat worse, then the following is observed:

violation of ligaments;
damage to intervertebral discs;
inflammation of a separate part of the spine;
degeneration of fabrics and so on.

In such cases, CT is assigned to confirm the results of radiography.

However, sometimes a more advanced survey of the vertebra - CT of the lumbosacral spine. Such cases are associated with:

the fracture of the spine;
osteochondrosis;
malignant and benign vertebral tumors;
the presence of hernias of intervertebral disks;
hemorrhage in the spinal channel;
osteoporosis;
congenital defect for the development of the spine;
mobility of the vertebrae;
stenosis of the spine canal.

Preparations for CT lumbosacral spine

If the survey is carried out with the introduction of a contrast agent for 6 hours, then it is necessary to refrain from food. In other cases, special preparation is not required.

The patient should take the following documents with it:

direction on CT;
an outpatient map or an extract from it;
snapshots and their description when passing earlier than other procedures;
other documents that relate to the disease.

CT for children

The safest age of the CT pass in children is the line from 12 years and above. Up to 12 years old can be held CT in special children's medical centers. In frequent cases, children make anesthesia, as each movement inside the scanner capsule can give an erroneous result.

With the feeling of pain in the back, it is necessary to diagnose all vertebral departments:

CT of sacral-iliac articulation;
CT of the cervical spine;
CT cochter region;
CT thoracic spine.

What can be seen on CT cervical

The study of CT the cervical spine is carried out in order to complete the diagnosis and study of the diseases of the spinal column at the neck level. Such tomography can clearly show the general state of vertebrates and bodies, vertebral channels, spinal cord. A little worse, it demonstrates bundles and intervertebral discs.

Thanks to a three-dimensional image, with the help of CT quickly and clearly, it is possible to determine the presence of fractures, hematomas, various types of tumors, innate anomalous phenomena and other changes.

Preparation for procedure

Before performing computed tomography, various kinds of preparatory activities should be held:

the patient should put on a disposable bathrobe;
it is forbidden to lie on the tomographic table of various kinds of decorations made of metal: broots, hairpins, rings, chains, and so on.
be sure to remove the instruments and accessories that can spoil the image of the pictures: dentures, glasses, bra;
if the patient suffers from allergies, you need to prevent the doctor about it, since with the introduction of a contrast agent, the allergic reaction may appear again;
during the procedure, the patient must be completely immobilized.

Cost CT

Depending on the studied spine, the cost of computed tomography can vary from 3500 rubles and higher. However, it is not necessary to save on your health, it is better to undergo a survey and correctly diagnose the disease.

The CT spine is the most informative method of studying bones and soft tissues located in the area of \u200b\u200bcervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and spheroid department. The layered pictures obtained as a result of scanning are highly clarified, on them you can diagnose pathologies and systemic disorders in intervertebral discs, spinal cord and nerve roots, blood vessels, muscles and tendons. The effects of X-ray radiation on the human body with this method is insignificant.

Indication for appointment

Computer tomography is shown at such frequent symptoms, like numbers and legs, spasms in the chest area, strong headaches, discomfort in the back and limbs.

Thanks to 3D images, the doctor can determine the causes of these problems and assign adequate therapy.

This procedure is carried out by diagnoses on CT scanning on special high-tech devices for the purpose of the surgeon, traumatologist or neuropathologist.

This study is resorted to this type of research:

injuries and compression fractures;
congenital pathologies of the development of vertebrae;
neoplasms and metastases;
scoliosis, kifoses;
intervertebral hernias and protrushes;
osteochondrosis;
inflammatory diseases of the muscles of the back;
pacifics in the back of unclear genes.

Computer tomography is also assigned to clarify information on the diagnosis set on X-rays.

Before conducting surgical interventions and in different phases of the rehabilitation period often make CT. This allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of the operation, possible complications, the condition of the nervous fibers and the degree of tissue regeneration.

Preparation for the examination

Before appointing tomography, the doctor must conduct a patient with a consultation, explain the purpose of this event, calm the patient, to identify whether the exposure to irradiation is harmful for this patient.

In order to avoid nervousness during the procedure, the doctor makes an explanation that this study is painless, so when conducting scanning you need to lie calmly and motionless. Otherwise, the quality of the pictures may worsen.

The doctor should be found out if the patient has allergic reactions to iodine preparations, sea cabbage, sea products, as well as a contrast agent. Information about the individual intolerance to contrast indicate in the history of the disease.

Patient before conducting the procedure also needs to be prepared. It is recommended to dress in loose clothing without lightning and metal finish. Before entering the Tomography Cabinet, you need to remove all the decorations, the clock, leave the phone.

If the study is carried out with the use of contrasting, experts recommend pre-abstainably refrain from heavy food, and on an empty stomach (with a simple CT scanning, the power mode does not change). Previously need to pass blood on biochemical analysis.

During tomography, adverse reactions to the contrast substance are possible: dry mouth, dizziness, a slight increase in body temperature. These symptoms are considered normal.

If the patient's condition deteriorated sharply, he must immediately report this to the diagnostic, using a special sound transmission device.

Before carrying out computer tomography, the patient or his relatives give written permission to research.

How is computer tomography

The construct of tomograph is arranged in such a way that allows you to scan all spines sequentially and at different angles.

When all the preparatory procedures are carried out, the patient is set in a specially equipped room and laid onto a table. A rubber pear is given in the hand to communicate with the diagnostic, if the patient has problems during the study. The table automatically moves into the chamber of the device in the form of a cylinder.

Through this device, X-rays are fed, which pass around the studied portion of the human body, the information is transmitted to the computer using the sensor. The program processes the data obtained from the tomograph, and draws them in the form of layer-by-layer snapshots of the spine scanned at a given depth.

During operation, the device makes loud sounds. This is a normal phenomenon that does not cause a person no harm. If they are bothering the patient, you can offer earplugs.

Computer tomographs work quickly, but for a full study of all spinal departments will be required about 20-30 minutes.

After the completion of the patient's procedure is removed from a cylindrical arc, tomography ends.

The next step is to evaluate what the pictures obtained are shown. Deciphering the results of tomography is engaged in the diagnostics of CT with medical education. Information on the state of the spine is printed on the official clinic form behind the specialist and the seal of the institution. Snapshots are printed or recorded on electronic media. This information is transmitted to the patient or its attending physician and serves as a material for setting or clarifying the diagnosis.

What allows you to determine the procedure

CT-diagnostics allows you to identify the following violations:

Cracks in vertebrae, their offset relative to the post, other effects of injuries.
Damage to the spinal cord, hematoma, pinching nerve roots.
The narrowing and expansion of the lumen inside the spinal canal.
Hernia Schimorl, the beginning of osteoporosis.
Bone expansion in the form of osteophytes, testifying to the presence of arthrosis.
Tumors of bone and soft tissues.
Reducing the height between the vertebrae by the destruction of intervertebral discs.
Other destructive violations and abnormalities in the development of various departments of the back.

If scanning is carried out after surgical interventions, the photo can be studied by the degree of regeneration of tissues and the overall postoperative state of the spine.

Contraindications

Although computed tomography is considered a harmless diagnostic method, even the minimum amount of X-ray radiation to some extent negatively affects the human body.

If a radiation study was recently a patient, the CT scan is recommended to be prescribed only in a month.

This type of diagnosis is contraindicated for the following categories of citizens:

pregnant women (irradiation can strongly affect the development of the fetus);
people with severe renal failure, diabetes, thyroid problems;
patients with oncological diseases of the skin;
children under 12 years old.

Nursing mothers need to be careful when examining by the CT method and replace breast milk with special mixtures for a day, from contrast will have to refuse.

This method is not available for people with a body weight of more than 200 kg, since the design of the device has limitations in weight parameters.

There is a danger to allergies: people with individual intolerance to the contrast agent is forbidden to carry out tomography with its use. If a person did not know about it, at first symptoms he was shown antihistamines.

Conclusion

Computed tomography of the spine is a fast and affordable method of studying soft structures and bone tissues. Compared to a simple x-ray, the dose of harmful radiation at CT is minimal, but at the same time the pictures obtained are more informative, as they allow you to estimate the state of the spinal column in three projections.

The procedure for this type of study is painless, only peace is required of the patient. In order to study the state of nerve fibers, contrast agents are used, which penetrate into the appropriate patient tissues and make them sensitive to the effects of the device, in the pictures such structures are reflected clearer, it is easier to visualize and evaluate them.

However, before passing through such a survey, each person needs to be familiar with the list of contraindications, and if any, the patient should refuse to order on CT and consult with the attending physician on the issue of replacement for a more appropriate study.