CT HAND

List of Parameters Considered During the CT Hand

• Medics address the following issues during the exam: 
• Orthogonal and parallel positioning of the hand 
• Duration and strength of X-ray emission 
• Injection of contrast 
• Movements and breathing of the patient 
• Reduction of unwanted image qualities and artifacts

Reasons for Taking a CT Hand

A CT Hand is usually required for:  

• Evaluating fractures and dislocations of the hand or osteoarthritis of the hand 
• Assessing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis 
• Assessing soft tissue injuries such as sprains of tendons or ligaments 
• Recognition of inflammatory or purulent processes in the hand 
• Evaluating surgical or reconstructive interventions of the hand 

When and Who Should Take a CT Hand? 

A patient might need a CT Hand if they have suffered from: 

• An injury to the hand which can be fractures or crush injuries 
• Chronic pain or inflammation in the hand 
• Bulging or deformities in the hand 
• Possible abscesses or infections 
• Imbedded foreign objects in the hand 

Additionally, other patients who have more complicated issues with the hand and its underlying structures such as:  

• Orthopaedic surgeons performing surgery on the hand 
• Plastic surgeons reconstructing the hand after an injury or defect 
• Rheumatologists treating diseases of the joints in the hand 

Benefits of Taking the Test

Advantages of a CT Hand are:  

• Detailed images of the hand's internal structures such as bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels 
• Ease and swiftness of the test  
• Precise diagnosis and effective construction of treatment strategy 
• Evaluation of disease development or effectiveness of treatment 

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Hand

Some conditions diagnosed using CT Hand include:  

• Fractures and dislocations of the hand 
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis 
• Tendon or ligament injury in the hand 
• Suppuration or inflammation of the hand 
• Penetrating wound of the hand 

Preparing for a CT Hand

Patients should: 

• Put on loose, fitting garments 
• Take off all jewellery and metal from the hand 
• Tell the technician about any known health issues, allergies, or past surgeries 
• Refrain from eating or drinking several hours before the procedure (if contrast dye will be utilized) 

Pre-requisites 

Patients may be required to: 

• Refrain from food intake for several hours prior to the procedure (if contrast dye will be utilized) 
• Not take certain medications, such as blood thinners, for several days leading up to the procedure 

Best Time to Take the CT Hand 

The procedure can be done anytime although it is best to do it when the patient is most comfortable and capable of being still. 

Eligibility 

The procedure is recommended to all children and adults but pregnant patients and patients with some medical conditions might need to have different tests. 

Procedure for Taking a CT Hand 

A CT scan for a hand typically takes about 15-30 minutes to complete and includes the following steps:  

• Placing the patient and fixing their hand position 
• The patient undergoes X-ray imaging. 
• Patient undergoes IV injection of contrast dye (only if needed). 
• The consists of reconstructing and analysing the images and doing the relevant interpretations. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients must explain to the technician: 

• The reason for other medical illnesses and pre-existing conditions that may have no bearing, but could include allergies and surgeries from the past 
• If you are taking care of a child or if you are a prospective mother 
• Some patients may take blood thinning medication