A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that utilizes a combination of X-rays and computer technology to generate cross-sectional images, often called “slices,” of the body. This advanced X-ray technique provides highly detailed views of internal structures. For the cervical spine, a CT scan offers a comprehensive look at the neck region.
Understanding Cervical Spine Anatomy
The cervical spine consists of seven stacked bones called vertebrae, labeled C1 through C7. These vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow for flexibility. The spinal cord, a bundle of nerves extending from the brain, runs through a central opening within these vertebrae, known as the spinal canal.
Surrounding these bony structures are various soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which provide support and facilitate movement. The cervical spine supports the weight of the head and enables a wide range of head movements, such as bending, extending, and rotating. This complex arrangement of bones and soft tissues works together to protect the delicate spinal cord while allowing significant mobility.
What a CT Scan Clearly Shows
A CT scan visualizes bony structures within the cervical spine with high detail. It clearly displays the density, shape, and alignment of the seven cervical vertebrae (C1-C7). This includes the intricate contours of the vertebral bodies, posterior elements like the laminae and spinous processes, and facet joints that connect adjacent vertebrae.
The scan effectively identifies bone abnormalities such as fractures, bone spurs (osteophytes), and abnormal bone fusion. It also provides a clear view of the spinal canal, assessing its shape and size, and the neural foramina, the openings through which nerve roots exit the spinal cord. While a CT scan primarily focuses on bone, it can also show some soft tissue details, such as potential swelling in the prevertebral soft tissues, which might indicate underlying injury.
Conditions Diagnosed by a CT Scan
A CT scan of the cervical spine diagnoses medical conditions and abnormalities, particularly those involving bone. It frequently identifies fractures, dislocations, and bone fragments after traumatic neck injuries. CT scans are considered more effective than plain X-rays for detecting subtle fractures, as X-rays alone can miss a significant percentage of these injuries.
The scan also reveals degenerative changes that occur with aging, such as osteoarthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis. It can show bone spurs, which are bony growths, and the narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) or nerve root openings (foraminal stenosis). These degenerative changes can compress the spinal cord or nerves, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness.
A CT scan can also identify calcified disc herniations, where disc material protrudes and hardens with calcium deposits, potentially compressing nerves or the spinal cord. While MRI is often preferred for non-calcified disc issues, CT clearly visualizes these calcified lesions. The scan also detects bone tumors or infections, such as osteomyelitis, affecting the vertebrae, by showing bone destruction or abnormal bone growth.
When a Cervical Spine CT Scan is Recommended
A cervical spine CT scan is often recommended for rapid, detailed imaging of neck bone structures. Following trauma, such as a car accident or a significant fall, a CT scan is ordered to quickly rule out fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae. It is useful when initial X-rays are inconclusive or when injury is suspected despite normal X-ray findings.
This imaging technique is also used for surgical planning, providing surgeons with precise anatomical details of the bony spine before an operation. A CT scan can also evaluate the progression of bony changes in degenerative conditions or assess spinal stability. When a patient cannot undergo an MRI due to medical implants or other contraindications, a CT scan serves as an alternative for assessing spinal conditions.