What is assessed in a cervical spine CT?
A cervical spine CT allows assessment of the seven cervical vertebrae — including the transition with the skull and with the thoracic spine —, the spinal canal, the joints and the intervertebral foramina (through which the nerves exit), with the bone detail that is this exam's strong point. It also allows assessment of fixation hardware after cervical spine surgery.
CT and magnetic resonance imaging are complementary exams: for the study of the discs, the nerves and the spinal cord, MRI is usually the exam of choice; CT stands out for its bone detail and is the alternative when MRI is not possible. The choice always rests with the referring doctor. The report is produced by a radiologist; the clinical interpretation rests with your doctor.
When it is requested
- After neck injury — assessment of fractures and dislocations.
- Neck pain under investigation, when MRI is not possible or as a complement.
- Degenerative changes — cervical osteoarthritis (uncovertebral arthrosis), bony narrowing of the canal or of the intervertebral foramina.
- Assessment after cervical spine surgery — position and integrity of the hardware.
- Planning of surgery or of procedures.
- Targeted study of the bony structures of the craniocervical junction.
- When MRI is contraindicated — some pacemakers and devices, severe claustrophobia.
What the exam is like
- 1Before
Reception
Arrive 15 minutes early, with your referral and any previous spine exams, if you have them.
- 2
Preparation
You remove only the metal objects from the neck area: necklaces, earrings, hairpins, piercings, hearing aids, removable dentures. As a rule, you keep your own clothes on.
- 3
Positioning
Lying on your back on the table, with your head and neck supported and aligned. You may be asked to avoid swallowing during acquisition.
- 45–10 min
Image acquisition
The table moves through the scanner's open ring. You just need to stay still for a few brief moments.
- 5
Finishing
You can leave, drive and resume your normal day straight away.
Preparation
- Fasting: not needed (the exam is usually without contrast).
- Contrast: rarely needed. If your referral indicates it, 4 hours' fasting and the kidney-function recommendations apply (recent blood tests from the last 3 to 6 months, if you have them) — we let you know when booking.
- Medication: keep your regular medication.
- Metal objects: remove only those from the area being studied — necklaces, earrings, hairpins, piercings, hearing aids, removable dentures.
- Clothing: as a rule, you keep your own clothes on, as long as there are no metal parts in the neck area.
- Surgical hardware: plates, screws or prostheses in the cervical spine do not prevent CT — let us know when booking.
- Pregnancy: CT uses X-rays. If you are or think you may be pregnant, always let us know before the exam.
- Documents: referral, insurer/scheme card (if applicable), previous spine exams (X-ray/CT/MRI).
Results
The report is produced by a radiologist from the images. The report is available as a PDF (by email or printed) and the images on CD and on CRMA's imaging platform, to take to your doctor.