Image A

This image is from a CT scan of the thoracic spine that has been reconstructed in the sagittal plane. The image is viewed as if you are looking at someone fro the side view. The curvature of the spine is accentuated due to multiple small wedge compression fractures of the thoracic spine. This is called kyphosis. The level that is labeled T4 is the one level that has recently fractured.

Image B

On this image from the bone scan that also has been reconstructed in the side view. The bright yellow level is the T4 vertebral body that has recently fractured. This is said to be the "hot" level. New or chronic fractures show up as "hot" on bone scans. Old fractures that have healed do not show up as hot and look like the rest of the spine. This test helps to determine which level may need to be treated.