CT Scan Radiation Exposure Risk | CT Scan Answers and Questions | Risks and Benefits | CT Vail, CO

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Here is a brief Q&A about CT scans and radiation. According to Dr. Corenman, “What we’ve done now is that we do limited CT scans. We are currently doing a study now that seems to reduce radiation to the patient by about 50-70%. For example, if we think there is a L4 or L5 problem, we will just cone down on L4 or L5 and film that part of the spine. For that time being, that seems to be effective. Unfortunately, CTs are essential to determining whether or not you can fix something or whether or not it will heal. You have to have them and it is one of the paradigms we have to deal with as doctors.”


With more than 30 years of experience, Donald Corenman, MD, DC, is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. His training as a Doctor of Chiropractic early in his career did not satisfy his desire for a deep understanding of the mechanics of the spine. This led him to medical school where he completed his Doctor of Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery Residency and Spine Surgery Fellowship. His study of spinal disorders and deformities brought him to Vail, Colorado where he joined The Steadman Clinic in 1994. With personalized clinical care a cornerstone of Dr. Corenman’s practice, he has been awarded the “Top 10 Doctor Award”, “Patient’s Choice Award”, “Compassionate Doctor Recognition” and is consistently recognized by Becker’s Spine Review in “Top Spine Surgeons to Know.”

Dr. Corenman has published two books: for patients, “Everything You Wanted to Know About the Back: A Consumers Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lower Back Pain” and for the medical community, “The Clinician’s Guidebook to Lumbar Spine Disorders: Diagnosis & Treatment”. He is passionate about educating patients on spine anatomy and disorders, so they have the ability to partner with their physicians in finding the most effective treatment for their back pain and disorders. His focus on peer education earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles.