CT scan of the cervical spine

Computed tomography of the cervical spine is a modern diagnostic method that allows you to obtain a detailed image of bone structures, intervertebral discs and surrounding soft tissues.

At the Oxford Medical Medical Center in Kyiv, the examination is performed on a 64-slice Siemens Somatom Go.UP tomograph, which provides ultra-thin slices with a thickness of 0.7 mm. Such high resolution allows you to detect even the smallest pathological changes with minimal radiation exposure to the patient's body.

If you experience neck pain, limited mobility or other unpleasant symptoms, do not postpone a visit to the doctor. Make an appointment for a CT scan of the cervical spine at Oxford Medical and undergo an accurate diagnosis.

CT of the cervical spine is prescribed in cases where it is necessary to assess the condition of bone structures in detail, identify pathological changes or clarify the diagnosis after other examination methods. The main indications for this study include:

• Neck injuries: suspected fractures, cracks, dislocations or other damage to bones and articular surfaces.
• Chronic neck pain: especially if the pain does not disappear after conservative treatment or has an unclear etiology.
• Inflammatory diseases: arthritis, osteochondrosis, spondylitis and other inflammatory processes in the cervical spine.
• Tumors and neoplasms: detection and assessment of the size, structure and spread of bone or soft tissue tumors.
• Suspicion of infectious processes: osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and other infectious lesions of bone tissue.
• Preparation for surgery: planning operations on the cervical spine.
• Postoperative monitoring: assessment of treatment results and the healing process.

Additionally, a CT scan of the cervical spine may be recommended if you have symptoms such as a crunching or clicking sensation in the neck, limited mobility, numbness in the arms, or a feeling of weakness in the limbs.

Computed tomography of the cervical spine allows you to detect a wide range of pathologies, including:

• Degenerative-dystrophic changes: osteochondrosis, spondylosis, protrusions and hernias of intervertebral discs.
• Traumatic injuries: fractures, cracks, dislocations and subluxations of the vertebrae.
• Inflammatory processes: osteomyelitis, spondylitis, arthritis.
• Tumors and neoplasms: benign and malignant tumors of bone and soft tissue nature.
• Vascular pathologies: arterial stenosis, aneurysms, thrombosis.
• Congenital developmental anomalies: anomalies of the shape and size of the vertebrae, instability of the cervical spine.
• Postoperative changes: assessment of the condition of implants, fusion of bone structures, the presence of complications.

Due to its high resolution and the ability to reconstruct images in three dimensions, CT of the cervical spine is an indispensable diagnostic method for the accurate detection and assessment of various pathological conditions.

Preparation for a CT scan of the cervical spine depends on the type of examination - with or without contrast enhancement.

No special preparation is required for a CT scan without contrast. The patient can come for the examination at any convenient time. Before the procedure, it is recommended to remove all metal objects from the examination area (chains, earrings, watches, etc.).

If a CT scan of the cervical spine with contrast is planned, it is necessary to:

• Take a blood test for creatinine level to assess kidney function (as prescribed by a doctor).
• Inform the doctor about the presence of an allergy to iodine-containing drugs.
• Refrain from eating 4–6 hours before the procedure.

The contrast agent is administered intravenously immediately before the scan. It allows for better visualization of blood vessels and soft tissues, which is especially important if tumors or inflammatory processes are suspected.

Before performing a CT scan of the cervical spine, your doctor may ask the following questions:

• Are you allergic to iodine-containing drugs or other medications?
• Do you have kidney disease or elevated creatinine levels?
• Do you have chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart failure?
• Do you have metal implants or other foreign objects in your body?

These questions help your doctor assess the possible risks and determine the best method for conducting the study.

The CT scan of the cervical spine is painless and takes little time. It takes place in several stages:

• Preparation: the patient goes to a special room, where they remove clothing with metal elements and jewelry. If the contrast is planned to be administered, a catheter is installed for intravenous administration of the drug.
• Positioning on the tomograph table: the patient lies on the movable tomograph table in a supine position. Special retainers or pillows can be used to ensure immobility during the scan.
• Scanning: the table with the patient is moved into the scanning part of the tomograph. It is important to remain still during the scan. The procedure lasts up to 10 minutes, depending on the complexity of the study.
• Completion of the procedure: after the scan is complete, the patient can return to their usual routine. If contrast was administered, it is recommended to drink more fluids to eliminate the drug from the body more quickly.

The results of the study are transmitted to the radiologist for analysis and preparation of a conclusion, which the patient receives in the form of images and a written description.

Although cervical spine CT is a safe diagnostic method, there are certain contraindications to performing a contrast-enhanced study:

• Allergy to iodine-containing drugs: patients with known hypersensitivity to iodine or contrast agents are not recommended to undergo CT with contrast.
• Renal impairment: elevated blood creatinine levels may indicate renal failure, in which case contrast administration is undesirable.
• Diabetes mellitus in the decompensated stage: in such cases, deterioration of renal function is possible, which increases the risk of complications during contrast administration.
• Severe general condition of the patient: in case of heart failure, unstable blood pressure or severe chronic diseases, the decision to administer contrast is made individually.

Before prescribing CT with contrast, the doctor always assesses the benefits and possible risks, taking into account the results of the tests and the patient's condition.

Cervical spine CT scan prices depend on whether the examination is performed with or without contrast, as well as on the urgency of the results and related services. You can familiarize yourself with the prices in advance here.

If you have neck pain, numbness, dizziness, weakness in your arms, or suspect a hernia or other spinal injury — do not postpone the examination. Make an appointment for diagnostics online or by phone — and receive professional help at a time convenient for you.

If you are planning to have a cervical spine CT scan, at the «Oxford Medical» clinic you will be able to undergo an examination in accordance with the highest standards of medical care. The clinic also conducts other types of research, for example, CT of the liver.