OT/ Need help with interpratation of x-ray and CT scan

[Guest guest]

Here is what the ER x-rays showed...The odontoid view is suboptimal.

The lateral view shows the cervical vertebral bodies in good

alignment without evidence of compression fracture defromity or

subluxation. The disc spaces are fairly well maintained. There is

however, mild spurring of the endplates at C5 and C6. The flexion

and extension views demonstrate no evidence of subluxation. The

posterior elements are intact and prevertebral soft tissue swelling

is identified. There is a radiopaque density projected over the

prevertebral soft tissues at the level of C3, likely representing

normal variant calcification in the superior cornua of the thyroid

cartilage. There is also a geometric radiopaque density projected

over the occipital region, which may represent radiopaque foreign

body over the soft tissues of the scalp. IMPRESSION: 1. The

odontoid view is nondiagnostic. The examination otherwise shows no

evidence of acute bony trauma. 2. Potential radiopaque foreign

bodies versus intracranial calcification projected over the occipital

region. 3. Recommend clinical correlation. CT follow-up may be

required for the delineation. My CT scan with contrast isn't ready

yet and the head CT,s aren't done either. The CT scan w/o contrast

states... REPORT: C1-T1 disk levels are imaged in the axial plane

with 3 mm thick slices, coronal and sagittal reconstruct images are

also presented for interpretation. Vertebral body heights and disk

space alignment appear grossly normal. There is some minimal disk

narrowing at that level. IMPRESSION: Vertebral body heights are

unremarkable. No evidence of fracture, dislocation or any acute

osseous abnormality. No definite central stenosis or neural

foraminal impingement is seen at any level. Note is made of some

minimal posterior osteophytes seen off the C5-6 disk level in the

left lateral recess. No definite nerve root impingemant is seen. If

the patient's symptoms are in the C5-6 dermatome, further evaluation

by MRI of the cervical spine could potentially be indicated. I have

no idea on what any of it means. I think the other CT scan of the

head will indicate what the occipital problem or whatever is. If

anyone knows what any of this means please let me know!!!! Thanks

KIM PS: I think we now know why he sent me for a CT Scan...The ER

report suggested it! LOL