CT SI JOINTS
Also Known As
Lab Test
₹5500
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About The Test
Quick facts
- Scan time: 5–7 minutes
- Report ready: Within 3 hours (urgent) or same-day
- Cost: Transparent, insurance-friendly pricing
- Locations: Multiple Bengaluru centres with free parking
Why Cadabams Diagnostics
- Low-dose protocols: Up to 40 % less radiation than standard settings
- AI-enhanced 3-D reconstruction: Spot early erosions missed on plain X-rays
- NABL-accredited lab: Quality you can trust
- Patient-first approach: Personal escort from reception to report collection
2. What Is CT Sacroiliac Joint?
Definition in plain words
A CT SI JOINTS scan uses a rotating X-ray beam to create cross-sectional images of your sacroiliac joints. It shows bones in far greater detail than any routine test.
### How CT differs from X-ray/MRI
| Feature | CT SI JOINTS | X-ray | MRI |
|----------------|---------------------|----------------------|----------------------|
| Best for | Bone detail | Basic bone outline | Soft tissue & marrow |
| Duration | < 10 min | 5 min | 30–45 min |
| Radiation | Low dose | Minimal | None |
| Cost | Mid-range | Lowest | Higher |
3. When and Who Needs to Take a CT Sacroiliac Joint?
Common symptoms prompting the scan
- Deep buttock or lower-back pain lasting > 6 weeks
- Stiffness that improves with movement
- Pain worse at night or early morning
- Swelling over sacrum or pelvis after trauma
Referring specialties
- Rheumatology
- Orthopaedics
- Sports medicine
- Physiotherapy clinics
List of Parameters
Radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics look for:
- Joint space width: Narrowing suggests inflammation
- Erosions & sclerosis: Early vs advanced changes
- Ankylosis signs: Bony bridging indicating fusion
- Fracture lines: After trauma
- Alignment: Check for subluxation
Why This Test
7. Reasons for Taking a CT Sacroiliac Joint
| Purpose | Why CT Helps |
|---|---|
| Suspected sacroiliitis | Detects bone marrow oedema & erosions early |
| Trauma evaluation | Shows undisplaced sacral fractures |
| Pre-surgical planning | Maps safe screw paths for fusion surgery |
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- High-resolution bone detail: Spot changes 6 months earlier than X-ray
- Fast scan time: In and out in under 15 minutes
- Guides targeted therapy: Confirms if biologics or physiotherapy is needed
Illnesses Diagnosed with CT SI Joints
- Ankylosing spondylitis: Symmetric joint erosion & fusion
- Psoriatic arthritis: Asymmetric changes with new bone formation
- Septic sacroiliitis: Bone destruction plus soft-tissue abscess
- Osteoarthritis: Joint space narrowing & sclerosis only
Preparing for test
10. Preparing for CT Sacroiliac Joint
Clothing & metal objects
- Wear loose, metal-free clothing
- Remove belts, zippers, keys, phones, jewellery
Fasting requirements
- Non-contrast CT: No fasting needed
- Contrast CT: Fast 4 hours; sips of water allowed
Diabetic patient tips
- Early morning slots to avoid long fasting
- Bring recent creatinine & blood sugar reports
11. Pre-requisites
- Valid doctor’s prescription with clinical indication
- Creatinine report (within 4 weeks) if contrast planned
- Pregnancy declaration for women of child-bearing age
12. Best Time to Take the CT Sacroiliac Joint
- Early morning slots: Ideal for diabetics and working professionals
- Avoid during acute pain flare: Consult your doctor first; painkillers may be needed
13. Eligibility
- Adults: Any age; weight limit 150 kg on our wide-bore scanner
- Paediatrics: Above 5 years or ≥ 20 kg for optimal image quality
14. Procedure for Taking a CT Sacroiliac Joint
- Arrival & registration: 5 min
- Consent & questionnaire: 2 min
- Changing & metal check: 2 min
- Positioning: Lie supine, arms above head
- Scanning: 5–7 min
- Observation (if contrast): 15 min for reactions
- Report collection: 60–180 min depending on urgency
15. Caution Before Taking the Test
Contrast allergy precautions
- Inform staff of prior iodine or shellfish allergy
- Pre-medication available 12 hours before scan
Renal function checks
- Creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL may need hydration or a non-contrast study
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal scan | No joint space loss or erosions | Healthy status |
| Mild erosion | Small bony defects < 2 mm | Early inflammation |
| Joint fusion | Continuous bony bridging | Advanced arthritis |
| Ankylosis | The bones of the SI joint have begun to form bridges or have completely fused together. | A sign of advanced, severe inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis. |
| Fracture Line | A clear break in the cortical bone is visible on one or both sides of the joint. | Indicates a traumatic injury or a stress-related fracture. |
Risks & Limitations
Radiation exposure explained
- Effective dose ≈ 2–3 mSv (equal to 8 months of natural background).
- Our iterative-reconstruction software cuts dose by up to 40 % without losing image quality.
Limitations for soft-tissue detail
While CT SI JOINTS excels at bone, subtle ligament tears or early bone-marrow oedema may need an additional MRI.
5. Types of CT Sacroiliac Joint
Non-contrast CT
- Quick baseline study for arthritis or trauma
- No needles or dye required
CT with 3-D reconstruction
- Adds computer-generated 3-D bone model
- Helps surgeons plan complex fusions or screw placements
FAQs
Is the scan painful?
No. You simply lie still on the table.
How soon can I get results?
Same day for routine scans; urgent reports within 3 hours.
Can I drive after the scan?
Yes, unless you received sedation (rare).
Will insurance cover this test?
Yes, most corporate and retail policies cover CT SI JOINTS. We offer cashless processing.
When can I expect my results?
At Cadabams Diagnostics, we pride ourselves on a prompt turnaround. The radiologist's formal report is typically finalized and sent to your referring doctor within 24-48 hours of your scan.