Steps to perform computed tomography of the thoracic spine with 3D rendering

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thuc Vy - Radiographer - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

1. Purpose of computed tomography of the thoracic spine

Computed tomography of the thoracic spine is performed for the purpose of creating images of the thoracic spine using a computed tomography machine. Obtained images allow evaluation of bone and thoracic spinal canal lesions as well as adjacent components.

2. What to prepare before shooting?

Before taking computed tomography of the thoracic spine, it is necessary to prepare:
Computerized tomography machine with 8 rows or more (multi-sequence). System for storing images and movies. Patients need to remove jewelry, metal objects on the body. In case the patient is excited, unable to lie still, sedation can be used. The patient must have a doctor's order for a computed tomography scan.

3. Steps to perform computed tomography of the thoracic spine with 3D rendering

Steps to perform computed tomography of the thoracic spine with specific 3D rendering are as follows:
Step 1: Place the patient supine in the machine frame, adjust so that the shoulders are lowered to the maximum extent, put two arms up along the axis of the body. Ask the patient to hold their breath and not swallow during the scan. Step 2: Conduct localization of the entire two planes of the thoracic spine. Determine the extent of imaging in the lateral direction, from the upper border C7 to the lower border L1. Step 3: Depending on the clinical requirements, set up the appropriate scan program. To evaluate the pathologies in the thoracic spine, it is possible to use the cut layers in the direction of the disc, then use image processing software after taking the picture. Image processing software enables multi-sectional image generation, maximum intensity projection, volumetric and surface surface visualization. Step 4: Select the radiographs of bone windows and disc windows. Transfer the images to the doctor for analysis and diagnosis.

4. Evaluation of the results of performing computed tomography

The results of computed tomography of the thoracic spine allow the assessment of the following injuries:
Injuries in the vertebral body: rupture, collapse, vertebral body slip, displacement of the posterior wall of the vertebral body, posterior arch injury, hematoma due to trauma, signs of disc herniation, soft tissue damage of the vertebral canal, location of foreign bodies with iodine contrast. Degenerative diseases of the vertebrae: degeneration of ligaments, degeneration of lateral joint blocks, spinal stenosis, degeneration causing spondylolisthesis. Congenital malformation of the spine. The extent of tumor invasion and compression. Vertical or forehead 3D reconstruction to assess spinal postural variation. Computed tomography of the thoracic spine with 3D rendering is a modern and advanced imaging technique, allowing assessment of lesions in the thoracic spine, reconstructing 3D images showing the changes in facial features. position of the spine.

In order to meet the needs of medical examination and treatment, currently Vinmec International General Hospital has been and continues to bring in modern machinery systems such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), X-ray ... in the work of medical examination and treatment, diagnostic imaging, disease treatment. Especially in order to bring high efficiency in disease examination and treatment, Vinmec now also designs many medical services included in general health examination packages such as MRI of the thoracic spine, MRI of the cervical spine, ..
You can go directly to Vinmec Health System nationwide for medical examination or contact the regional hospital hotline here for support.