[Examination of spinal canal by computerized tomography (author's transl)].

CT of the spinal canal as a method of neuroradiological examination has increasingly gained significance. So far, it has been used in addition to conventional Xray of the spine and to myelography; however special indications have been established to make it the method of choice in certain instances. Besides invasive secondary or primary CT myelography, noninvasive CT is applied in tumor diagnosis and traumatology; also in order to demonstrate dysraphic formative anomalies, degenerative changes as well as conditions which obstruct the spinal canal and compress spinal cord and nerve roots. CT has the advantage of better soft- tissue-visualization while the spinal canal is equally well outlined; it has no disadvantages. With even more efficient scanners available, especially primary CT diagnosis of the spine will gain further significance.