Computed tomography of the joints

Contraindications for CT of joints

Computed tomography is a safe procedure. It is not carried out when the patient has an insulin pump or pacemaker, as well as when weighing over 120 kg. An obstacle to scanning will be a previous osteosynthesis operation or the presence of metal implants in the body.

Relative contraindications include claustrophobia, pregnancy, childhood, or a patient with mental disorders.

Are CT scans done during lactation? Yes, but a breastfeeding mother will need to perform at least two pumps after the diagnosis and before the next breastfeed.

CT with contrast is not performed when:

• renal failure;
• impairment of one or more liver functions;
• diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation;
• allergies to components of the contrast agent;
• pathologies in the acute stage.

If a patient is diagnosed with any disease, the doctor decides whether a CT scan of the joint can be done on an individual basis.

How to prepare for the examination

Conducting standard CT diagnostics does not require any preparations from the patient. Before scanning, he only needs to remove all objects containing metal from clothing and body, including removable implants.

In cases where a CT scan of the musculoskeletal system with contrast is performed, it is necessary to refuse food and drink a few hours before the scan.

How CT of the joints is done

Depending on which joint will be scanned, the procedure takes from 3 to 10 minutes.

If it is necessary to perform a CT scan with contrast, the patient is placed in a catheter with an automatic injector before the procedure. Through it, the required amount of an iodine-based drug is injected into a vein.

Diagnostic algorithm:

1. The patient is placed on the retractable platform of the tomograph. If the condition of the hip, shoulder, knee joint is examined, and if necessary, a CT scan of the leg is performed, the patient lies on his back. To study other joints, the doctor may suggest placing only the extremity in the area of the tomograph ring.
2. The diagnostician checks the correct position of the patient and moves to an adjacent room, from where he controls the diagnostic equipment.
3. The patient must remain still during the scan.

The procedure is painless and does not cause discomfort. The tomography room is equipped with intercom equipment, thanks to which the diagnostician constantly maintains voice communication with the subject and, if necessary, can immediately stop the procedure.

After using CT with contrast, the patient is advised to drink more drinking water in the next 24 hours after the procedure. This will help speed up the excretion of the components of the drug from the body.

Research results

Images processed with a special program are written to disk. The conclusion of the diagnostician, as well as the electronic media with images, the patient presents to the attending physician for subsequent evaluation and prescription of therapy.

The execution of the conclusion takes one business day.

Benefits of joint CT

Currently, computed tomography is the most accurate and effective method for diagnosing bone and joint structures. Its advantages include:

• Low sensitivity to patient movements during diagnostics and, as a result, greater accuracy of the obtained images.
• High speed of creating and processing images.
• Low radiation exposure to the human body - up to 20 scans per year can be performed.

It is also worth noting the low price of joint CT in Moscow, which makes the study affordable for most patients.

Where can I get a CT scan of bones in Moscow

The "K+31" clinic is equipped with a modern tomograph. Thanks to the use of high-class equipment, the patient can quickly undergo a diagnosis and get an accurate result. CT scans and data processing in the medical center are carried out by specialists with many years of clinical experience.

CT diagnostics performed at the "K+31" clinic allows a specialist to perform a high-precision examination of organs and systems: the brain and blood vessels, spine and neck, pelvic and abdominal organs, thyroid gland, etc.

For more information, you can contact the clinic by phone +7 (499) 999-31-31. By this number you can also find out the exact cost of a CT scan of the joint, get answers to all your questions, and learn about the clinic's current promotions