Tomography of the Spine and the Sternum

Abstract

(1) Most of the work on tomography appears to have been done in relation to chest conditions. (2) There is a very useful field for tomography in the investigation of the spine and the sternum. (3) The conditions of the spine in which tomography has been found very useful are:— i. The diagnosis of slight compression fractures and distinguishing the slight degrees of kyphosis as the result of these fractures from adolescent kyphosis. ii. In demonstrating the state of consolidation of fractured vertebræ. By routine radiography a vertebra may appear completely consolidated, but tomography may show the persistence of a fairly wide gap through the centre of the vertebra. iii. The demonstration of positions of the intervertebral disc which have been forced into the vertebræ as the result of injury. iv. These herniated portions of discs may explain the persistence of symptoms. v. The extent of callus formation in fractured vertebræ is best demonstrated by tomography. vi. The differential diagnosis may be established between such conditions as old fractures and caries. vii. The differential diagnosis between infection and injury may be established by tomography. viii. The extent of tuberculous caries is best demonstrated by tomographs. ix. Secondary deposits from the breast have been demonstrated by tomography where routine radiography did not demonstrate them. x. Tomography may be of great help in demonstrating the sternum, and slides are shown demonstrating its value in such conditions as fracture, infection, and secondary deposits.