Standard fluid filled facet cysts, especially the small ones are best seen on MRI. However, complications such as calcification or gas in the cysts are better with CT as we have seen in the previous page. Here we are going to look at what the standard simple facet cysts look like on CT. […]
DAY 06.3 FACET CYSTS CT Read More »
WHAT HAVE WE COVERED Previous Next Today we have looked at an overview of how to assess a lumbar spine MRI and CT. Make sure that you have a pattern of assessing the scans which will help you assess quickly the areas indicated in the report or look at areas of concern not mentioned in
DAY 02.3 WHAT HAVE WE COVERED IN DAY 02 & WHAT’S NEXT Read More »
This is a general overview of what to look for when assessing a Lumbar CT. Don’t look for pathology. Just understand an overview of how to assess a scan and the locations of the various sites we will need to assess. HOW TO ASSESS THE LUMBAR SPINE (CT) HOW TO APPROACH A LUMBAR CT
DAY 02.2 HOW TO APPROACH A LUMBAR CT Read More »
OVERVIEW On the axial scans we look for fractures and many of the abnormalities we have discussed on the sagittal scans like atlanto axial distance, pre vertebral soft tissue thickening and facet abnormalities (which we will look at tomorrow). Here we look at 2 specific regions to assess. AXIAL SCANS AXIAL SCANS TRANSVERSE FORAMEN FRACTURE
OLSPT 05.3 CT ABNORMALITIES: AXIAL SCANS Read More »
OVERVIEW On the coronal reformats whilst we will look for fractures at all levels and any malalignment, the focus here will be on abnormalities at the axial region. CORONAL SCANS CORONAL SCANS DENS FRACTURE We will look at dens fractures a separate topic in more detail but here its just to illustrate to look specifically
OLSPT 05.4 CT ABNORMALITIES: CORONAL SCANS Read More »
OVERVIEW Once you have checked the midline alignment, look more specifically for abnormalities of vertebral body height, facet subluxation/ dislocation, widening of the discs and posterior spaces, pre vertebral soft tissues and the atlanto dental space. COMMON SAGITTAL CT ABNORMAL FINDINGS SAGITTAL VERTEBRAL BODY HEIGHT The vertebral bodies form C3 down should be relatively equal
OLSPT 05.2 CT ABNORMALITIES: SAGITTAL SCANS 2 Read More »
OVERVIEW Let’s look at some of the abnormalities we need to assess for. The examples below are not exhaustive but have been chosen as they are the most common ones seen. The less common findings we will look at when we see cases that demonstrate them specifically. COMMON SAGITTAL CT ABNORMAL FINDINGS SAGITTAL OVERVIEW Look
OLSPT 05.1 CT ABNORMALITIES: SAGITTAL Read More »
CORONAL SCANS CORONAL OVERVIEW Whilst we look at the entire spine on the coronal reformats the Axial region is most important. Similar to the open mouth view on X-Ray, on the coronal scans assess for the following: Atlanto Occipital Joint. Atlanto Axial Joints. Dens. Position of dens relative to C1 lateral masses. Alignment of Atlanto
OLSPT 04.5 CT ASSESSMENT 5: CORONAL SCANS Read More »
AXIAL SCANS AXIAL OVERVIEW We look at all the bony and soft tissue structure but on the axial scans pay particular attention to the following: Position of dens relative to C1 lateral masses. Position of dens relative to C1 anterior arch. Facet joints. Fractures particularly any extension to the foramen transversarium.
OLSPT 04.4 CT ASSESSMENT 4: AXIAL SCANS Read More »
OVERVIEW Once you have assessed the midline scan, scroll on either side to the para sagittal scans. PARA SAGITTAL SCANS PARA SAGITTAL WHAT TO ASSESS On the parasagittal scans asses for the following: Atlanto Occipital and, Atlanto Axial Joints. Facet joints. Fractures. ATLANTO OCCIPITAL AND ATLANTO AXIAL JOINTS They should
OLSPT 04.3 CT ASSESSMENT 3: PARA SAGITTAL SCANS Read More »
WHERE TO START MIDLINE SAGITTAL WHERE TO START Whilst everyone will develop their own technique for assessing a scan, I find that the mid-line sagittal scan is a good place to start as it gives an immediate indication of stability. WHAT TO ASSESS Same as on the x-ray, assess the: Anterior vertebral body line (Pink).
OLSPT 04.2 CT ASSESSMENT 2: MIDLINE SAGITTAL SCANS Read More »
OVERVIEW The acquisition parameters will vary depending on the type of CT scanner you are using so you do need to tailor for your scanner. However most of the other topics we will cover apply to all scanners. CT ACQUISITION ACQUISITION ACQUISITION This will depend on what type of CT scanner you are using. But
OLSPT 04.1 CT ASSESSMENT 1: ACQUISITION Read More »
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