What is a CT of the Lumbar Spine?
MRI of the lumbar spine is the gold standard for evaluating low back pain, as well as pain radiating from the low back into the hips, buttocks, and down the legs. There are a number of reasons, however, when MRI of the lumbar spine does not provide the final answer, and a CT myelogram of the lumbar spine must be obtained in addition to, or instead of, an MRI of the lumbar spine. Reasons include: • Previous surgery, with metal causing artifact which obscures the images on MRI. • Significant bone spurring (spondylosis changes), which can limit visualization of important structures in the spine including where the nerve roots exit (exit foramen). • Inconclusive MRI, due to the patient being unable to lie still, creating a blurred MRI image. • The patient being unable to tolerate an MRI, due to large size, or claustrophobia.
