CT ELBOW

A CT or computed tomography elbow scan is used to produce the images of the elbow joint’s internal structures in the form of cross-sectional slices. It is usually done to help diagnose and visualize different conditions of the elbow including fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries as well as to monitor their progress.  

What is a CT Elbow?  

A CT elbow scan is a procedure that combines X-rays and computer imaging to generate detailed images of the elbow joint. The procedure requires the patient to lie on a table that is moved into a cylindrical-shaped machine. The machine provides X-ray views of the elbow from numerous angles and reconstructs cross-sectional images of the elbow. 

Types of CT Elbow 

CT elbow scans can be classified into two types:  

• Non-contrast CT elbow: The test can be performed without the use of contrast dye. It is primarily used for the diagnosis of fractures or other conditions related to the bones.  
• Contrast CT elbow: The test involves the use of contrast dye to enhance the soft tissue structures (ligament and tendon) on the CT image. 

List of Parameters Considered During the CT Elbow

Here’s what the physician attempts to capture while performing a CT elbow scan:  

• Soften structures of the arms. 
• Bones rotation range and motion. 
• Joints underlined structures and inflammation 
• Internal bone damages like fractures, dislocative changes. 
• External bone damages like ligament and tendon injuries. 

Reasons for Taking a CT Elbow

A CT elbow scan is prescribed for the following reasons:  

• To diagnose and evaluate the progress of injury-accompanied fractures and dislocation  
• To examine and supervise soft tissue injury progressions, such as involving ligaments and tendons  
• Examination and assessment of rheumatoid degenerative changes in joints e.g., osteoarthritis 
• Intra-elbow infection or abscess assessment and evaluation  
• Assessment of treatment effectiveness regarding elbow conditions. 

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Elbow?  

A CT elbow scan may be needed for people with these symptoms or conditions:  

• Pain or swelling around the elbow joint. 
• Elbow joint is stiff or there is reduced range of motion. 
• Possible fracture or dislocation. 
• Injuries to soft tissues like ligaments or tendons. 
• Joint pain from wear and tear or osteoarthritis. 
• Possible elbow inflammation or abscess. 
• Patients who have had elbow surgery or have prosthetic hardware in the elbow joint. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

The advantages gained from a CT elbow scan are the following:  

• Failsafe diagnosis and monitoring of conditions concerning the elbow joint.  
• Conditions are diagnosed early and with prompt treatment, they are more likely to improve positively without posing many complications.  
• Less painful, does not involve surgery.  
• Monitors treatment effectiveness; aids in deciding what treatment should be administered. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Elbow

These illnesses can be diagnosed using the CT elbow scan:  

• Dislocations and fractures of bones. 
• Soft tissue injuries like ligament or tendon tears 
• Osteoarthritis and other jaw dropping degenerative changes of the joints. 
• Apoplexies and infections of abscesses 
• Tumorous conditions including cysts 

Preparing for CT Elbow

For a preparatory elbow CT scan, patients are encouraged to:  

• Put on loose fitting and relaxing clothing 
• Ditch jewellery or metal pieces 
• Advise the technician of any relevant medical history such as renal issues or allergies 
• Disclose worthwhile medications such as anticoagulants 

Pre-requisites 

There are no prerequisite for a CT elbow scan, however, patients might need to:  

• Refrain from eating for long hours before the exam/test if contrast dye is to be utilized. 
• Stop taking some drugs like blood thinners ahead of time 

Best Time to Take the CT Elbow Scan  

Although a CT elbow scan can be done at any time, it is usually preferable to arrange for the test at the time of greatest elbow pain. 

Eligibility 

Most patients qualify for a CT elbow scan, but there are a few exceptions:  

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding  
• Patients with kidney disease or kidney failure  
• Patients with metal implants or pacemaker devices 

Procedure for Taking a CT Elbow  

The steps involved in getting a CT elbow scan are outlined below:  

1. The patient will lie down on a platform that goes into the CT scanning device.  
2. An X-ray technician will come and make sure that you are comfortable and that the machine is set up properly.  
3. X-ray images will be taken from different angles.  
4. The procedure usually lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.  
5. During the procedure, patients may have to remain stationary and may need to follow certain breathing instructions. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients should: 

• Tell the technician about any health issues or allergic reactions that they may have had  
• Tell the technician about other medications that are being used, for example, blood thinners 
• Remain still during the test to prevent any motion artifacts from being captured on the images