Computed tomography in spondylitis. CT versus other radiographic methods.

Eighteen patients with spondylitis underwent 21 examinations by computed tomography (CT). Bone destruction was found in all, paravertebral inflammatory mass in 18, and epidural extension in 12 examinations. Conventional techniques revealed a paravertebral mass in only two cases. Plain radiographs showed destruction in fewer vertebrae in nine cases, in one of which the plain radiographs were definitely negative. Simultaneous conventional tomography gave sufficient clinical information of bone changes but was not better than plain radiographs in the evaluation of soft tissue structures. Abscesses could only be demonstrated by CT. The operative findings were in agreement with CT scans in almost all cases operated. CT was valuable when planning the surgical approach.