Prospective Evaluation of Upright Versus Supine CT Myelography of the Lumbar Spine

Prospective Evaluation of Upright Versus Supine CT Myelography of the Lumbar Spine

The purpose of this prospective study is to compare the diagnostic utility of standing (upright, weight-bearing) CT myelography with standard supine CT myelography for the evaluation of lumbar central canal and neural foraminal stenoses. This study aims to determine whether upright positioning provides additional diagnostic information in patients unable to undergo MRI, with the goal of improving assessment and management of degenerative lumbar spine disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Outpatient status
• Scheduled for routine supine CT myelography

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inpatient status
• Presence of metallic lumbar spinal hardware
• History of osseous metastatic disease involving the lumbar spine
• Acute traumatic injury involving the lumbar spine
• Pregnancy
• Participant body habitus exceeding the scanner's safe operational limits (e.g., gantry/bore size clearance, table weight capacity) as defined by the device manufacturer.
• Inability to tolerate CT scanning (e.g., severe pain, unable to stand independently for an extended period)