Lumbar disc herniation. CT or MRI?

Lumbar disc herniation can be done CT and MRI, each has its advantages and application.

CT examination can clearly show the lumbar bony structure, for the judgment of lumbar hyperosteogeny, vertebral facet joint lesions and other more accurate. And the examination speed is relatively fast, usually in a relatively short time to obtain results. For some patients with acute attacks, can quickly identify whether there are bony lesions. MRI examination of the disc itself shows more clearly, can better assess the degree of degeneration of the disc, whether there is rupture and so on. It can clearly show the soft tissue structure in spinal canal, such as spinal cord, nerve root, etc., which is helpful to judge whether there is nerve compression and compression. It also plays an important role in evaluating the effect of lumbar disc herniation surgery.