For the lumbar spine CT described, which plane is used?

For the lumbar spine CT described, which plane is used?

• A. Axial
• B. Coronal
• C. Sagittal
• D. Oblique

Answer: (C)

The sagittal plane is used because it runs along the length of the lumbar spine, giving a clear view of how the vertebral bodies stack, the curvature (lordosis), disc heights, and the width of the spinal canal from the upper to lower lumbar levels. CT data are acquired as axial slices, but sagittal reformats are reconstructed to visualize longitudinal alignment and canal relationships in one continuous view. This orientation best demonstrates problems like spondylolisthesis, degenerative changes affecting multiple levels, and canal or foraminal compromise across the lumbar spine. Axial images are excellent for detailed cross-sectional anatomy at a single level, but they don’t convey the overall sagittal alignment as effectively, and coronal or oblique views are less informative for evaluating the spine’s longitudinal relationships.

The sagittal plane is used because it runs along the length of the lumbar spine, giving a clear view of how the vertebral bodies stack, the curvature (lordosis), disc heights, and the width of the spinal canal from the upper to lower lumbar levels. CT data are acquired as axial slices, but sagittal reformats are reconstructed to visualize longitudinal alignment and canal relationships in one continuous view. This orientation best demonstrates problems like spondylolisthesis, degenerative changes affecting multiple levels, and canal or foraminal compromise across the lumbar spine. Axial images are excellent for detailed cross-sectional anatomy at a single level, but they don’t convey the overall sagittal alignment as effectively, and coronal or oblique views are less informative for evaluating the spine’s longitudinal relationships.