![]() On the other hand, bone is seen better on CT scans.Ĥ. Discs, nerve roots, and tumors are all seen more clearly. Besides showing information in additional planes, the MRI gives much better detail of the soft tissue anatomy of the spine, than does CT scans. They use magnetism, instead of x-rays, to get the images. MRI scans: the images provided are similar to CT scans in as far as these images provide serial slices through the spine, or other areas of interest. CT scans use x-rays, which are sent through the area of interest in numerous directions, then a computer adds the images in 3-dimensions, and then displays the pictures so they can be easily understood by your doctor.ģ. When used on the spine, they detail bone very well, but are not quite as good at showing soft tissues, such as herniated discs, nerves and tumors. These "slices" of the body, can accurately reveal the anatomy within. They are pictures of the body divided into very small slices. CT scans: these show "cross sections" of the spine. ![]() Tumors can also be detected with plain film radiography.Ģ. Also, compression fractures of the vertebral bodies are easily seen. Degenerative changes, thinning disc space, any slippage, known as spondylolisthesis or subluxations, are easily visible on plain x-rays. Lumbar spine films: these plain x-rays are good at showing alignment of the spine. Many doctors focus only on managing patients with these difficult spinal disc injuries.Ĭommon tests for a patient with low back and lower extremity pain may undergo: lumbar spine x-rays (films), CT scans (computed axial tomography scans), MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging), myelograms, post myelographic CT scans, EMG/NCV (electromyogram/nerve conduction velocity) studies, discograms, and bone density tests.īelow is a brief description of each test:ġ. are clinically experienced in contemporary neurologic and orthopedic testing. There is a great amount of cross over on these nerve root levels, and everyone is built a little different. Please keep in mind that these are very general descriptions of the tests and signs. The S1 root is responsible for the achilles reflex, and injury to this root may result in an absent ankle jerk reflex.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |