HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

What could you see in a ct scan of the cervical spine that you could not see in an mri?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. David Trettin answered

Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery

More bony detail: CT scans are often used to delineate bony anatomy in more detail than plain X-rays ; esp w/ 3D reconstruction.bony C- spine abnormalities and C spine fractures are better than MRI for this.Disc and nerve imponfenent, cysts etc . are better seen by MRI. Best of Luck!

Dr Fowler and another doctor agreed

Answered 8/30/2015

3.7k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Pulsatile tinitus cones/goes in 1 ear for many years Had both brain/neck CT angio & MRI brain /Cervical spine last January all normal No high B/p low cholestrol no smoking only weigh 7.10lbs good diet All blood tests good. Worried?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Is it unusual to not see MRI results 5 days after the scan? I had 2 MRIs of the cervical and thoracic spine on Saturday morning and its now Thursday

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Are there different types of CT scans to clearly identify cervical stenosis? Just like there is a 32 slice MRI (extremely effective) vs. Just an mri?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

11 CT scans 10 xrays in 2 yrs gyn wants a pelvic ct- MRI of pel shows fluid and endomet. 14mm biopsy of cervix neg-fem 69 is CT safe for me? W. Cont

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Which is the better way to determine the degree of cervical stenosis: MRI or CT scan? Where does a contrast dye fit in either approach?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

What else would cause middle thoracic spine and cervical pain. I've had all MRI/CT scans?
Allergic to 2 CT scans iodized IV contrast exams, itching, rash. Dr. Wants MRI cervical spine with contrast. Is this a good idea, is this contrast diff?
Could TMJ cause nerve lack of sensation in forehead on one side? Normal brain MRI & CT. Normal cervical spine mri and neuro exam.
Normal brain and cervical spine MRI as well and normal brain CT. Neuro says maybe TMJ. Right forehead/temple area numbness for 1 year. Causes?
Possible cause for lack of sensation on right side of forehead? Brain ct normal, lumbar and cervical spine mri normal, blood work normal. Help!

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.