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Back Pain Glossary »
Computer Assisted Tomography
CAT Scan
Computer Assisted Tomography, commonly known as a CT scan takes cross section images of the body. They are used to detect fractures, lesions and infections in the spine. A CT scan works by encasing the body with a x-ray. A computer is used to reformat the image into cross-sections of the spine that are repeated at multiple different intervals. As a result, the spinal canal can be imaged and assessed for specific conditions.
When combined with a myelogram, which is an injection of radioactive dye, a CT scan can reveal how the bone is affecting nerves. This is a very sensitive test that can pick up subtle lesions and fractures.
CT scans should not be performed on women who may be pregnant.
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