CT SI JOINTS

CT SI Joints Overview

The CT SI Joints scan is a type of radiology examination which employs the use of computed tomography (CT) to render images of the sacroiliac (SI) joints situated in pelvic bone. The results of this radiology test allow physician to spot multiple diseases including sacroiliitis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease arthritis, and others that may influence the SI joints.  

What is CT SI Joints? 

This CT SI Joints diagnostic procedure utilizes X-ray and the computer technology to generate cross-sectional views of the SI joints level. It involves getting into a large doughnut-shaped device and the person lies on the bed which goes into the machine. The machine surrounds the body and it captures X-ray imaging from multiple positions. The SI joints are depicted in detail after the computer pieced together the x-ray images captured. 

Types of CT SI Joints 

There are two main types of CT SI Joints scans 

• Non-contrast CT SI Joints: as the name states it does not apply contrast dye and is used for assessment of the bones and joint structures. 
• Contrast Enhanced CT SI Joints: This procedure employs the use of contrast dye to visualize softer tissues and abnormal inflammation changes. 

List of Parameters Considered During the CT SI Joints

The following parameters are normally considered during the test: 

• Narrowing of the joint space 
• Sclerosis of the bone 
• Presence of osteophytes 
• Erosions or cysts 
• Soft tissue swelling or inflammation 

Reasons for Taking a CT SI Joints

CT scans of the SI joints are done for these conditions or symptoms:  

• Sacroiliitis 
• Osteoarthritis 
• Arthritis from inflammatory bowel diseases 
• Sustained trauma to the pelvis or SI joints 
• Degenerative changes of the SI joints 

When and Who Needs to Take a CT SI Joints? 

A patient's history and/or your clinical examination may indicate the need for a CT SI Joints scan if they report the following symptoms: 

• Pain in lower back area 
• Pain in the buttocks 
• Pain in the hips 
• Pain in the pelvic region 
• Pain while walking or standing 

This type of imaging is often needed in specific broad patient groups, such as: 

• Patients that present with history of osteoarthritis or inflammatory bowel disease 
• Active sports persons and people with a history of some trauma 
• Patients with a family history of sacroiliitis or inflammation disease of the joints 

Benefits of Taking the Test

Some of the advantages of the CT scan of the SI joints include: 

• Clear pictures of the SI joints 
• Detecting mild or early forms of sacroiliitis 
• Assessing how a disease is progressing, or how a patient is responding to treatment 
• Examining surrounding soft tissue and bony structures 

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT SI Joints

Some of the most common conditions diagnosed using CT SI Joints scan are:  

• Sacroiliitis  
• Osteoarthritis 
• Arthritis from inflammatory bowel diseases 
• Ankylosing spondylitis 
• Vomiting and degenerative disc disease 

Preparing for CT SI Joints

All patients should: 

• Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled test starts 
• Take off all jewellery, clothes with metal clasps or zippers, and glassed with metal frames. 
• Put on loose and comfortable clothing. 
• A healthcare provider should be informed of any metallic implants/soldiers or medications that could alter dosage levels. 

Pre-requisites 

No specific pre-test requirements are available, but patients should consider: 

• Informing the healthcare provider about a pregnancy or breastfeeding. 
• Not eating or drinking anything sugary or containing caffeine at least four hours before the test. 

Best Time to Take the CT SI Joints  

For maximum efficiency, the test could be done at any time throughout the day, however for least postponement engendering factors, it is best to schedule in the morning or early afternoon. 

Eligibility 

The CT SI Joints scan is usually appropriate for patients who: 

• Have SI joints symptoms 
• Have a history of osteoarthritis or inflammatory bowel disease 
• Are 18 years of age or older 

Procedure for Taking a CT SI Joints 

The entire procedure will take around 30-60 minutes with the following steps involved: 

1. Preparing the patient and placing them on the CT table 
2. Taking scout images to figure out the best scanning position 
3. Performing a CT scan of the SI Joints 
4. A radiologist reconstructs the images and reviews them 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients should: 

• Tell the doctor about any allergies or metal implants that they have. 
• Keep as still as possible for the duration of the test to improve the images quality 
• Adhere to radiology staff guidelines