Radiography and Computed Tomography (CT)

Plain radiographs use x-rays to create an image of the body using various projections (frontal, lateral). Plain radiographs play a rather limited role in today’s assessment protocols for SCI, but nevertheless retain value as a quick screening tool in many situations and also are a quick way of assessing instability of the vertebral column with flexion, neutral position and extension views easily obtainable. CT is the best modality for assessment of bony details but remains rather limited for cord assessment. CT is a modality that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional images or slices of the body.