CT lumbar spine

Strengths

Limited utility for routine spine imaging except very high suspicion trauma or to evaluate known acute fracture for spinal canal involvement or instability. Occasionally for post op hardware evaluation.

Limitations

CT exposes patient to significant radiation compared to plain X rays and often provides little more diagnostic information. Pearl:: If needed, thoracic spine images CAN be reconstructed from a standard CT chest, even if CT had been performed earlier.

Contraindications

None.

To schedule, call Orange Coast or Saddleback Medical Center — numbers on the contact page.