CT 3D Whole Spine, Purpose / Indications:, Technique:, spine 3D Reconstructions.

 A CT 3D Whole Spine is an advanced CT imaging study in which the entire spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions) is scanned, and the data is reconstructed into 3D images using specialized post-processing software.

Purpose / Indications:

• Trauma cases – to detect fractures, dislocations, or vertebral injuries.

• Spinal deformities – scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis (for pre-surgical planning).

• Degenerative changes – disc space narrowing, osteophytes, canal stenosis.

• Spinal tumors / metastasis – assessment of bony involvement.

• Pre-surgical planning – especially for fixation, screw placement, or deformity correction.

• Post-operative follow-up – evaluation of hardware, fusion, or complications.

Technique:

1. Patient position – Supine, arms placed overhead if possible to avoid artifacts.

2. Scan coverage – From skull base (C1) to sacrum/coccyx.

3. Slice thickness – Thin sections (≤1 mm) for high-resolution reconstruction.

4. Contrast – Usually non-contrast for bone evaluation; IV contrast may be given for tumor, infection, or vascular assessment.

5. 3D Reconstructions –

• MPR (Multiplanar Reconstruction: sagittal, coronal, oblique)

• VR (Volume Rendering)

• MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection)

• SSD (Shaded Surface Display)

6. 

   ct whole spine 3d inage by radiographic gyan

   
   

Advantages:

• Excellent bony detail compared to MRI.

• Helps in precise anatomical orientation and surgical planning.

• Fast acquisition compared to MRI.

Limitations:

• Radiation exposure (especially for whole spine).

• Limited soft tissue/cord detail (MRI is better for cord, discs, ligaments).