INVESTIGATIONS

INVESTIGATIONS

The most common diagnostic imaging tests used to evaluate spinal disorders include plain radiographs, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT myelography and isotope bone scanning. These investigations are extremely sensitive, but relatively non-specific. For example, at least one-third of asymptomatic patients have been noted to have ‘abnormalities’ on MRI scans. All investigations must therefore be carefully correlated with the clinical findings. INVESTIGATIONS

The most common diagnostic imaging tests used to evaluate spinal disorders include plain radiographs, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT myelography and isotope bone scanning. These investigations are extremely sensitive, but relatively non-specific. For example, at least one-third of asymptomatic patients have been noted to have ‘abnormalities’ on MRI scans. All investigations must therefore be carefully correlated with the clinical findings. INVESTIGATIONS

The most common diagnostic imaging tests used to evaluate spinal disorders include plain radiographs, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT myelography and isotope bone scanning. These investigations are extremely sensitive, but relatively non-specific. For example, at least one-third of asymptomatic patients have been noted to have ‘abnormalities’ on MRI scans. All investigations must therefore be carefully correlated with the clinical findings.