CT Whole Spine Scan
in Ahmedabad –
Cervical · Dorsal · Lumbar
Select Your CT Spine Protocol
Each spinal segment has its own dedicated CT protocol. Click a segment card for full details — indications, coverage, pricing, and a direct booking button.
CT Cervical Spine
CT Dorsal Spine
CT Whole Spine
CT Cervical Spine covers the seven cervical vertebrae (C1–C7). It is the gold standard for post-trauma neck evaluation, detecting bony fractures, ligamentous instability, and odontoid (dens) fractures that plain X-rays frequently miss. Essential before any spinal clearance after road accidents and falls.
- ✅Trauma & fractures: C1 (atlas), C2 (axis), odontoid fractures, burst fractures, facet dislocations — gold standard in emergency
- ✅Cervical spondylosis: Osteophytes, disc space narrowing, neural foraminal stenosis, endplate changes, uncovertebral joint hypertrophy
- ✅Canal stenosis: Central canal AP diameter measurement, OPLL (ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament)
- ✅Post-surgical hardware: Cervical plate position, screw angulation, fusion mass assessment, adjacent level disease
- ✅Congenital anomalies: Klippel-Feil syndrome, atlanto-axial instability, os odontoideum, basilar invagination
CT Dorsal Spine covers the twelve thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12). The thoracic spine is stabilised by the rib cage, making CT Dorsal the preferred investigation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, thoracic trauma, metastatic disease evaluation, and deformity measurement at the thoracolumbar junction.
- ✅Compression fractures: Osteoporotic vertebral collapse — height loss, posterior wall integrity, canal compromise
- ✅Trauma at TL junction: Burst fractures, Chance fractures, fracture-dislocations at T12–L1 — the most vulnerable level
- ✅Metastatic disease: Vertebral lysis or sclerosis, pedicle involvement, epidural extension, pathological fracture
- ✅DISH: Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis — flowing ossification across disc spaces best seen on CT
- ✅Scoliosis measurement: Cobb angle in the thoracic curve, vertebral rotation, rib deformity assessment for surgical planning
CT Lumbar Spine covers L1–L5 and the sacrum. While MRI is preferred for disc herniation and nerve evaluation, CT Lumbar excels at bony canal measurement, spondylolysis/pars defect diagnosis, post-surgical hardware assessment, and calcified disc pathology that MRI cannot reliably detect.
- ✅Bony canal stenosis: Precise central canal, lateral recess, and foraminal measurements — more accurate than MRI for bony dimensions
- ✅Spondylolysis: Pars interarticularis defect ("Scotty dog collar sign") — CT is the gold standard, MRI often misses this
- ✅Spondylolisthesis: Meyerding grade, foraminal compromise, dynamic instability, and surgical correction planning
- ✅Post-surgical hardware: Pedicle screw position, cage placement, fusion mass quality, hardware loosening — CT is the only reliable option
- ✅Calcified disc / DISH: Ossified discs, calcified fragments — far better visualised on CT than MRI
CT Whole Spine covers the entire vertebral column — C1 (atlas) to S5 (sacrum) — in a single continuous 160-Slice acquisition. Essential for polytrauma, metastatic staging, ankylosing spondylitis, scoliosis surgical planning, and any condition where multi-level involvement must be documented. The complete spine is acquired in one breath-hold of under 20 seconds.
- ✅Polytrauma: Road accidents & falls — all fractures across all segments identified simultaneously in one scan
- ✅Spinal metastases: Full-column survey — all involved vertebrae mapped for radiotherapy and surgical planning
- ✅Ankylosing spondylitis: Bamboo spine, syndesmophytes, fractures through ankylosed segments — entire column at risk of fracture
- ✅Scoliosis surgical planning: Full coronal and sagittal alignment, Cobb angle, pedicle morphology for implant sizing across all levels
- ✅Multi-level degeneration: Degenerative cascade across all three regions documented comprehensively in a single report
160-Slice CT for cervical, dorsal & lumbar spine imaging
Ahmedabad's Most Trusted
CT Spine Scan Centre
At Usmanpura Imaging Centre, our 160-Slice CT delivers the sharpest, most detailed bony images of all spinal segments — cervical, dorsal, lumbar, or complete whole-spine. Trusted by spine surgeons, orthopaedic specialists, and emergency physicians across Ahmedabad for fracture detection, surgical planning, and hardware evaluation.
- ✅4 Protocols in 1 Centre: CT Cervical, CT Dorsal, CT Lumbar & CT Whole Spine — all on one 160-Slice machine
- ✅Sub-millimetre Resolution: 0.5mm thin-slice reconstructions for subtle fractures, pars defects & hardware assessment
- ✅3D Bone Reconstruction: Multiplanar and 3D reformats for surgical planning — included in every study
- ✅Emergency Trauma CT: 24/7 availability for polytrauma, cord injury & spinal instability
- ✅MD Radiologist Reports:
- ✅No MRI Contraindications: CT safely performed with all spinal hardware — pacemakers, screws, rods, cages
What is a CT Spine Scan?
A fast, non-invasive X-ray–based scan that creates detailed cross-sectional and 3D images of the vertebral column — bones, joints, canal, and foramina.
What CT Spine Examines
CT Spine produces high-resolution images of vertebral bodies, posterior elements (pedicles, lamina, facet joints, spinous processes), intervertebral disc spaces, spinal canal diameter, neural foramina, and the conus medullaris region. Sagittal, axial, and coronal multiplanar reconstructions are generated from a single acquisition — giving surgeons a complete 3D picture of spinal anatomy and pathology.
How 160-Slice CT Works
Our 160-Slice MDCT scanner captures 160 detector rows per rotation, completing the entire spine in seconds. Sub-millimetre slice thickness (0.5mm) allows high-quality reformatting in any plane. Bone algorithm reconstruction highlights cortical margins, trabecular patterns, and fracture lines with unmatched clarity. Radiation dose is minimised using automatic tube current modulation and iterative reconstruction algorithms.
CT vs MRI for Spine
CT Spine excels for bony pathology — fractures, canal dimensions, pars defects, ossified ligaments, spondylolysis, and post-surgical hardware assessment. MRI Spine is superior for disc herniation, nerve root compression, and cord signal changes. Most spine surgeons use both — CT for bony anatomy and hardware planning, MRI for neural element evaluation. CT is the only option when MRI is contraindicated.
Radiation & Safety
CT Spine uses controlled ionizing radiation minimised using low-dose protocols. Our 160-Slice CT uses automatic tube current modulation and iterative reconstruction. No metal-related contraindications unlike MRI — safely performed with all spinal implants, pacemakers, and stimulators. For polytrauma, the diagnostic benefit of detecting a missed spinal fracture far outweighs the small radiation risk.
Spinal Structures CT Scans
Comprehensive imaging of every structure along the vertebral column — from atlas to sacrum.
Vertebral Bodies
Weight-bearing blocks — evaluated for fracture, height loss, density, and alignment.
- Compression & burst fractures
- Osteoporotic collapse
- Vertebral metastases (lytic/sclerotic)
- Height loss quantification
- Vertebral haemangioma
- Modic endplate changes
Posterior Elements
Pedicles, laminae, facet joints — surgical landmarks for screw placement and canal decompression.
- Pedicle morphology for screw sizing
- Facet joint arthropathy
- Pars defect (spondylolysis)
- Laminar & spinous process fractures
- Facet dislocation in trauma
- Transverse process fractures
Spinal Canal
The bony channel housing the spinal cord — precise measurement guides decompression planning.
- Central canal AP diameter
- OPLL / LF ossification
- Epidural haematoma
- Retropulsed fracture fragments
- Canal compromise percentage
- Spinal cord compression
Disc Spaces & Foramina
Disc height and nerve exit channels — calcified pathology best seen on CT.
- Disc space height measurement
- Calcified disc herniation
- Foraminal stenosis (bony component)
- DISH ossification
- Uncovertebral joint hypertrophy
- Vacuum disc phenomenon
Surgical Hardware
CT is the only reliable modality for implant evaluation — MRI artefact makes hardware assessment unreliable.
- Pedicle screw position
- Rod placement and connection
- Cage position (TLIF/PLIF)
- Fusion mass quality
- Hardware loosening / breakage
- Adjacent level degeneration
Alignment & Deformity
Whole-spine CT enables complete coronal and sagittal balance assessment for deformity surgery.
- Cobb angle (scoliosis)
- Sagittal balance (SVA)
- Kyphosis / lordosis angle
- Spondylolisthesis slip %
- Pelvic incidence & pelvic tilt
- Vertebral rotation grading
CT vs MRI for Spine — When CT Wins
CT and MRI are complementary. This comparison shows when your surgeon will choose CT Spine over MRI Spine.
CT Spine (160-Slice)
| Vertebral fractures | ✅ Gold standard |
| Spondylolysis / pars defect | ✅ Excellent |
| Canal bony measurement | ✅ Most accurate |
| OPLL / DISH | ✅ Best — calcification visible |
| Surgical hardware | ✅ Only reliable option |
| Scoliosis Cobb angle | ✅ Full coronal view |
| Soft-tissue disc herniation | Partial — calcified only |
| Nerve root compression | Bony component only |
| MRI contraindications | ✅ Safe with all hardware |
MRI Spine (Preferred for Soft Tissue)
| Vertebral fractures | Good (marrow oedema) |
| Spondylolysis / pars defect | Limited visibility |
| Canal bony measurement | Less precise than CT |
| OPLL / DISH | ❌ Poor calcification |
| Surgical hardware | ❌ Significant artefact |
| Scoliosis Cobb angle | Limited field of view |
| Soft-tissue disc herniation | ✅ Gold standard |
| Nerve root compression | ✅ Best — shows oedema |
| Spinal cord signal | ✅ Gold standard |
💡 Most spine surgeons use both: CT for bony anatomy and hardware, MRI for disc and neural element evaluation. When in doubt, call our team — we will guide you to the right investigation for your clinical question.
Types of CT Spine Scans Available
We offer the complete range of spinal CT protocols — individual segments and complete spine — with plain and contrast options.
CT Cervical Spine
C1–C7. Essential for post-trauma neck evaluation, odontoid fractures, atlanto-axial instability, cervical spondylosis, OPLL, and pre-surgical cervical decompression planning. No prep, 10 minutes, walk in.
CT Dorsal Spine
T1–T12. Preferred for osteoporotic compression fractures, thoracic trauma at T-L junction, metastatic disease, DISH, and Cobb angle measurement in the thoracic curve.
CT Lumbar Spine
L1–L5 + sacrum. Best for spondylolysis, bony canal stenosis, pedicle screw planning, post-surgical hardware assessment, calcified disc disease, and spondylolisthesis grading.
CT Whole Spine
Complete C1–S5. Mandatory for polytrauma, metastatic staging, ankylosing spondylitis, scoliosis surgical planning, and any multi-level spinal condition requiring complete column evaluation.
CECT Spine (With Contrast)
Contrast-enhanced CT for spinal metastases with soft-tissue extension, epidural abscess, spinal tumours, and post-operative infection. Requires 4–6 hours fasting before scan.
CT Spine + 3D Reconstruction
Complete 3D bone model generation from any spine CT — sagittal, coronal, axial MPR, and 3D surface rendering. Used by spine surgeons for implant sizing, screw trajectory planning, and osteotomy simulation.
When Should You Get a CT Spine Scan?
Your orthopaedic surgeon, spine surgeon, neurosurgeon, or emergency physician may recommend CT Spine for any of the following conditions.
Benefits of CT Whole Spine Scan
Why CT Spine is the definitive investigation for bony spinal pathology and the gold standard for trauma.
Gold Standard for Trauma
Complete spine CT after road accidents detects all fractures — including subtle non-displaced fractures missed by X-ray — in a single 15-second acquisition that prevents missed spinal injury.
Best for Hardware Assessment
CT is the only reliable imaging for post-surgical hardware — MRI artefact makes implant evaluation impossible. Pedicle screw position, fusion quality, and hardware complications are clearly shown.
Precise Surgical Planning
Sub-millimetre bone detail, Cobb angle measurement, pedicle morphology, and 3D reconstructions give spine surgeons the exact data needed to plan screw sizes, rod lengths, and decompression extent.
No MRI Contraindications
CT is safely performed in all patients — including those with pacemakers, non-MRI compatible implants, severe claustrophobia, or inability to lie still. Always available when MRI is not possible.
How to Prepare for CT Spine Scan
CT Spine requires minimal preparation for plain studies — almost nothing needed. Contrast studies need fasting.
Do's – Before Your Scan
- ✓Arrive 15–20 minutes early for registration and safety screening
- ✓Bring your doctor's prescription and any previous X-rays, CT scans, or MRI reports
- ✓Disclose all spinal implants — screws, rods, cages, interbody implants. CT is safe with all hardware.
- ✓Inform staff about all medications — especially blood thinners and Metformin (for contrast studies)
- ✓Tell us if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney disease (relevant if contrast prescribed)
- ✓Fast 4–6 hours only if CECT Spine (contrast) has been specifically prescribed
- ✓Wear comfortable, loose clothing — no metal buckles or zippers on the back or waist area
- ✓Trauma patients: do NOT remove cervical collar before imaging if applied in emergency
Don'ts – What to Avoid
- ✗Do NOT eat or drink 4–6 hours before CECT — no restriction for plain CT spine studies
- ✗Avoid wearing belts, metal-buckle trousers, or metal on the back
- ✗Do not bring coins, keys, or metal items near the scan table
- ✗Do NOT take Metformin 48 hours before and after contrast CT (consult your doctor)
- ✗Avoid hiding contrast allergy or kidney disease history — potentially dangerous for CECT
- ✗Do NOT move during the scan — even slight movement blurs fracture detail
- ✗Avoid breastfeeding 24–48 hours after contrast injection (pump and discard)
- ✗Do not delay if you have new onset weakness or bladder dysfunction after trauma — come immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about CT Whole Spine Scan in Ahmedabad — answered clearly.
Book Your CT Spine Scan Today
Cervical · Dorsal · Lumbar · Whole Spine — all protocols available 24/7 at 9 branches.
What Our Patients Say
Trusted by spine surgeons, orthopaedic specialists, and patients across Ahmedabad for precise CT Spine imaging.
I had a road accident and needed urgent CT Whole Spine at midnight. The Naroda branch was fully operational. The scan was done in minutes and the report was on WhatsApp within 2 hours. My spine surgeon could review the fractures before my surgery the next morning. Excellent 24/7 emergency service!
Needed CT Lumbar Spine for pars defect assessment before surgery — my surgeon specifically needed CT not MRI. Most affordable CT Lumbar in Ahmedabad. The 3D bone reconstructions were excellent and my orthopaedic surgeon praised the image quality and report detail. Highly recommended!
Required CT Cervical Spine post-operatively to assess screw positions after ACDF surgery. My surgeon needed hardware evaluation — MRI was useless due to artefact. Usmanpura's CT was clear and detailed. The report included individual screw angulation measurements. Same-day delivery. Outstanding!
Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Actual procedure, radiation dose, and preparation may vary by patient condition. Please consult your doctor or our radiologist before undergoing any test.
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