Advanced SPECT-CT Imaging for Precise Back Pain Diagnosis

Neurosurgeons at Hackensack University Medical Center use advanced imaging highlighting anatomical and physiological spine abnormalities to improve diagnostic accuracy

Back pain can be a debilitating condition—and its cause can be difficult to diagnose as the pain can be related to any component of the spine: the vertebrae, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons or discs.

That’s why neurosurgeons at Hackensack University Medical Center are using high resolution SPECT-CT (single photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography) scans to help identify the root cause of patient back pain.

“Finding the cause of back pain can be challenging,” said Patrick A. Roth, M.D., chair of Neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center and founding chair of Neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. “Using SPECT-CT scanning improves diagnostic accuracy by highlighting both anatomical and physiological spine abnormalities so we can tailor clinical intervention to each patient.”

A SPECT-CT is used to effectively identify cervical and lumbar spine pain, including joint degeneration, arthritis, infection, subchondral cysts, stress fractures, as well as to assess possible complications following spine surgery. According to Dr. Roth, using SPECT-CT imaging as a diagnostic modality provides numerous benefits compared to solely relying on CT, MRI, and X-ray imaging. These include identifying lesions or narrowing in the spinal column and precisely locating the area where the pain originates. SPECT-CT can also detect signs of inflammatory conditions such as disc disease and osteomyelitis earlier than other imaging methods.

Identifying and understanding patient symptoms is crucial for differentiating the condition and guiding effective spine and pain management therapies. An accurate and precise diagnosis means patients can start treatment sooner and have a better chance of a successful outcome. SPECT-CT greatly improves the success rate of both injection and surgery by providing confidence in understanding the pain generator. Further, although surgery may be appropriate for some patients, research shows that accurately finding the cause of back pain allows others to avoid invasive surgery and get relief with conservative treatments.

“Using the diagnostic information provided by SPECT-CT imaging combined with physical exam findings and a comprehensive patient history, we can design a treatment plan that targets the source of the patient’s pain,” says Dr. Roth. “In many cases, we have found that patients respond well to targeted treatments and surgical intervention isn’t necessary.”

Targeted treatments can include home exercises, injections, physical therapy, medication and topical treatments, even psychological counseling and lifestyle modifications.

“Our goal is to provide the most effective treatment for back pain with minimal risk of complications,” said Dr. Roth. “Using SPECT-CT helps us deliver nonsurgical and surgical care that treats pain, restores mobility and quality of life while reducing the risks associated with potentially unnecessary surgery.”

Learn more about innovative neurological care at Hackensack University Medical Center.