Why get a CT/myelogram instead of MRI?
Plain CT scans do not provide spine surgeons with enough information to adequately plan for surgical procedures. The CT/myelogram provides information about the bony architecture of the spine and additional information about the spinal cord and nerve roots, and their location within the spinal canal. In patients with pressure on nerve roots from bone spurs, the CT scan/myelogram test can help define the exact location and severity of the nerve root compression. This test is rarely needed except before surgery to help in planning the extent of an operation. In some cases, the CT myelogram more accurately demonstrates spinal cord and nerve compression when caused by bone (as opposed to compression by ligaments or disc material). In some cases both CT/myelogram and MRI are needed.
