Computed tomography of the lumbar spine: techniques, normal anatomy, pitfalls, and clinical applications.

Normal cross-sectional anatomy and anatomical variants. Detailed line drawings of important features and images from a correlative CT/anatomical study of human cadaver spines will be included. The cross-sectional appearance of deviations from normal anatomy will also be demonstrated. Scanning techniques and methods of image recording. Patient processing efficiency and expeditious data recording and analysis will be stressed. The utility of multiplanar computer reformations will be discussed. Commonly encountered pathological conditions. Examples of intervertebral disc disease, spinal canal and lateral recess stenosis, facet arthropathy, trauma, infections, and neoplasms will be presented. A protocol for the use of intravenous and intrathecal contrast agents will be proposed.