- Strengths
- Limited utility for routine spine imaging except very high suspicion trauma or to evaluate known acute fracture for spinal canal involvement or instability. Occasionally for post op hardware evaluation.
- Limitations
- CT exposes patient to significant radiation compared to plain X rays and often provides little more diagnostic information. Pearl:: If needed, thoracic spine images CAN be reconstructed from a standard CT chest, even if CT had been performed earlier.
- Contraindications
- None.
- CPT Code
- 72131
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- CT lumbar spine without IV contrast
- Patient Preparation
- None.
