What is a cervical spine CT scan?
A CT scan of the cervical spine (or CT cervical spine) is a specific test that is performed to further examine the bony structures and articulation of the cervical spine (neck) vertebrae.
How is a CT cervical spine performed?
A CT cervical spine is performed in the radiology department scanning room, with the patient lying flat (supine) on a CTtable.
The head is placed in a comfortable ‘docking pillow’ and the CT scanner gantry (donut) passess over and around the patient to perform the scan.
The gantry travels over the patient from the level of the jaw to the upper shoulders to create the scan.
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When would you need a CT cervical spine?
A CT cervical spine is useful in patients who have suffered trauma to the neck following an injury.
It is a more powerful tool to evaluate potential bony trauma in patients with normal cervial spine X-Rays (up to 20% of cervical spine fractures may be missed on plain X-Rays alone); or to determine the extent of potential spinal cord impingement in patients with significant fractures on plain cervical spine radiology (X-Rays).
Indication in patients who have suffered a neck injury include:
- Mental status less than alert or intoxicated
- Patient complaining of neck pain
- Midline neck bony tenderness
- Neurological signs and symptoms
CT cervical spine scan results explained
CT cervical spine scans are interpreted by an experienced radiologist.
It provides highly detailed information regarding the cervical vertebrae (bony structures of the neck).
In particular, evidence of the following may be highlighted:
- Fractures
- Articular dislocations
- Degenerative bony disease
- Malignancy
- Congenital bony abnormalities
Soft tissue structures such as ligaments are better visualised using an MRI scanner.
Related specialists
- Radiologist
- Emergency physician
- Orthopaedic surgeon
- Neurosurgeon
- Neurologist
- General Practitioner (GP)
Related tests
Also known as
- C-spine CT
- CT neck
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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