RadteraCT Cervical Spine (Routine / Degenerative)
CTNo contrastSpine
Indications
- Cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy from degenerative disease when MRI contraindicated
- Evaluation of bony foraminal/canal stenosis, osteophytes, ossified posterior longitudinal ligament
- Post-operative hardware/fusion assessment
- Characterization of osseous lesions
Patient prep
- No prep or contrast for routine degenerative study
- Remove necklaces, dentures; lower shoulders / arms at sides
- Supine head-first, neutral neck position, immobilize
Contrast
None / non-contrast
Technique
- Supine, head first; helical volume from skull base/C1 through T1 (include cervicothoracic junction)
- 120 kV; mAs per scanner with AEC; iterative reconstruction
- Reconstruct thin (0.625-1 mm) bone kernel and soft-tissue kernel from same data
- Reformat sagittal and coronal in both bone and soft-tissue algorithms; angled axials through disc levels optional
- No breath-hold; quiet breathing, no swallowing during scan
Series / Sequences
| # | Series / Sequence | Plane | Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Axial bone | axial | 0.625-1 mm | Sharp kernel; foramina, facets, uncovertebral joints |
| 2 | Axial soft tissue | axial | 1-2 mm | Disc, cord region, paraspinal soft tissue |
| 3 | Sagittal reformat (bone & soft tissue) | sagittal | 1-2 mm | Alignment, canal/foraminal stenosis |
| 4 | Coronal reformat (bone) | coronal | 1-2 mm | Uncovertebral joints, lateral masses |
Key points
- Routine degenerative protocol differs from trauma: no need for the wide trauma coverage/dose, focus on multiplanar bone detail
- MRI is superior for cord and soft disc; CT best for osseous stenosis, osteophytes, OPLL, and post-fusion bony assessment
- Report alignment, disc-osteophyte complexes, neural foraminal narrowing, facet arthrosis
- CT myelography is an alternative for canal assessment when MRI is contraindicated
References
• ACR–ASNR–ASSR–SPR Practice Parameter for the Performance of CT of the Spine
• ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Cervical Neck Pain or Cervical Radiculopathy
• Radiopaedia: CT cervical spine (protocol) link
• RadioGraphics: Degenerative Disease of the Cervical Spine
• ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Cervical Neck Pain or Cervical Radiculopathy
• Radiopaedia: CT cervical spine (protocol) link
• RadioGraphics: Degenerative Disease of the Cervical Spine
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.