National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Test. Utilize interactive quizzes and comprehensive study guides for each subject. Gain confidence and ensure you're exam-ready!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which imaging modality is most appropriately used to evaluate for suspected tethered cord syndrome?

CT Scan
X-ray
MRI
Ultrasound

The correct answer is: MRI

MRI is the most appropriate imaging modality for evaluating suspected tethered cord syndrome due to its superior ability to visualize soft tissue structures, including the spinal cord and surrounding areas. Tethered cord syndrome involves abnormal attachment of the spinal cord, which can lead to stretching and associated neurological symptoms. MRI provides detailed images of the spinal cord, revealing any conus medullaris abnormalities, filum terminale thickening, or associated anatomical variations that may suggest the presence of tethering. In contrast, while a CT scan can provide good imaging of bony structures, it does not offer the same level of detail for soft tissue evaluation, which is crucial in assessing conditions like tethered cord syndrome. X-rays primarily focus on bony alignment and cannot adequately depict soft tissue or the spinal cord. Ultrasound may be beneficial in certain pediatric cases, particularly for infants, but its use in evaluating tethered cord syndrome is limited compared to MRI. Therefore, MRI stands out as the most effective tool for diagnosing this condition due to its comprehensive visualization capabilities.