Pitfalls in computed tomography of the cervical and lumbar spine

In 10 patients, evaluated by computed tomography studies of the spine, radiological findings alone may have led to misinterpretation of the clinical condition. Five patients demonstrated CT findings of cervical disc herniation or protrusion, while clinical examination resulted in the diagnosis of neuralgic amyotrophy. In contrast, 3 patients with clinical signs of compression of lumbar nerve roots had negative findings in CT studies of the lumbar discs. Additional slices at the level of the vertebral body, however, demonstrated free sequestration of disc substance. Two patients with signs of compression of cervical roots had normal CT findings, but extensive disc herniation was present at surgery.