[Value of computerized tomography methods in diagnosing various diseases of the spine and spinal cord]

The authors generalize their 3-year experience in the employment of computer tomography at a multiprofile hospital and determine the diagnostic possibilities of this method in the treatment of degenerative and dystrophic diseases, primary and secondary tumours as well as some diseases of the spinal cord. The methods of improving the diagnostic efficiency of CT are discussed, particularly the employment of additional contrasting methods (CT epidurography and CT myelography). The indications for the employment of CT have been determined and the optimal sequence of performing the traditional X-ray methods of investigation, CT, CT epidurography and CT myelography in the lesions of the spinal column and the spinal cord has been worked out.