The spinal cord is made up of three bones: lumbar, dorsal, and cervical. The dorsal spine, the middle portion of the cord, comprises 12 vertebrae and forms the largest portion. A CT scan with a Virtualscopy test of the dorsal spine gives a 3D scanned image of the spine. It is useful in getting a clear picture of the condition of the bones and helps in detecting any abnormalities in the same. Back pain and multiple sclerosis are the most common symptoms that call for a CT scan test of the dorsal spine. It is a relatively painless procedure.
There are some usual tips for preparation before appearing for a CT scan and virtualscopy test. You need to remove all pieces of jewellery and metal objects in the body as well as clothing. The doctor will ask you to change into a gown. It is still recommended to wear comfortable clothes for the test. Consult your doctor regarding medications that you take daily. There might be some medicines which should be avoided to lower the interference with the results. Conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, and allergies also need to be discussed with the healthcare practitioner.
The CT scan with a virtualscopy test of the dorsal spine produces an internal image of the mid-spinal cord. The test is useful in identifying the risk of cancer. The condition of broken bone or weakening bones is also detected easily via this process. It helps the doctor in providing the appropriate treatment for the problems examined.
You will be asked to change into a gown. You will then lie down on a narrow table. This table will go inside the CT scanner. The doctor will make sure that you are in a comfortable position before starting the test. Once the table is inside the scanner, the machine will generate x-ray beams that will pass all over your body. There should not be any movement in order to prevent blurred images. The test typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.