CT SCAN SHOULDER

A CT Scan Shoulder is an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic imaging test that provides an exceptionally detailed look inside your shoulder joint. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we use this technology to create precise, cross-sectional images of your shoulder's bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels. This powerful scan, which utilizes specialized X-rays and sophisticated computer processing, is invaluable for diagnosing complex shoulder conditions, planning for surgery, and guiding your path to recovery.

What is a CT Scan of the Shoulder?

A CT Scan of the Shoulder, also known as computed tomography of the shoulder, is an imaging procedure that goes far beyond a standard X-ray. While a regular X-ray provides a single, flat image, a CT scanner rotates around your shoulder, capturing numerous X-ray images from various angles. A powerful computer then processes and combines these images to generate highly detailed 2D and 3D views.

This allows our radiologists to see the intricate structures of your shoulder joint—including the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle)—with remarkable clarity. This level of detail is crucial for identifying subtle fractures and assessing the precise alignment of the joint.

Types of Shoulder CT Scan

Depending on the specific information your doctor needs, one of several types of CT Scan Shoulder may be performed.

Standard (Non-Contrast)

This is the most common type of shoulder CT scan. It does not require any injections and is exceptionally effective for evaluating bone-related issues, such as detecting complex fractures and assessing joint alignment.

CT Scan Shoulder with Contrast

For this procedure, an iodine-based contrast solution is injected into a vein in your arm. This material travels through your bloodstream, highlighting blood vessels and improving the visibility of inflammation, infections, or certain types of tumors within the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues.

CT Arthrography

This is a more specialized variation where the contrast agent is injected directly into the shoulder joint space by a radiologist using imaging guidance. This technique provides an unparalleled view of the joint capsule, ligaments, and cartilage, making it ideal for diagnosing tears and instability.

When our radiologists analyze your scan, they meticulously evaluate several key parameters to provide a comprehensive report for your doctor. These include:

• Bone Integrity: Searching for signs of any fracture, from hairline cracks to complex, shattered breaks.
• Joint Alignment and Spacing: Assessing the precise position of the bones to check for dislocation, partial dislocation (subluxation), or joint space narrowing due to arthritis.
• Bone Lesions: Looking for the presence of bone spurs (osteophytes), cysts, or tumors.
• Glenoid and Humeral Head Condition: Evaluating the "socket" (glenoid) and "ball" (humeral head) for signs of wear, bone loss, or damage from repeated dislocations.
• Surrounding Soft Tissues: Assessing for large masses, abnormal fluid collections, or significant calcifications in the tendons or muscles.

There are many specific clinical reasons your doctor may order this test:

• To diagnose and assess complex or hidden shoulder fractures that were not clearly visible on an initial X-ray.
• To evaluate the full extent of bone damage associated with a shoulder dislocation.
• To measure bone loss before a shoulder replacement surgery (arthroplasty) or to assess the outcome after surgery.
• To investigate sources of chronic shoulder instability, clicking, or locking.
• To accurately identify and characterize bone tumors or infections like osteomyelitis.

When and Who Needs to Take a Shoulder CT Scan?

Your doctor may recommend a CT Scan Shoulder for several reasons, often when other imaging tests like an X-ray do not provide enough information. It is commonly ordered for:

• Significant Trauma or Injury: Following a fall, sports injury, or car accident where a complex fracture or dislocation is suspected.
• Persistent Shoulder Pain: To investigate the source of chronic pain that hasn't responded to initial treatments.
• Limited Range of Motion: When you have difficulty moving your shoulder, a CT scan can help identify bony blockages or arthritic changes.
• Pre-Surgical Planning: Surgeons use CT scans to map out the anatomy before procedures like shoulder replacement or complex fracture repair.

This test is often recommended for athletes with acute shoulder injuries, individuals who have experienced trauma, and patients with degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Opting for a CT Scan Shoulder at Cadabams Diagnostics offers numerous advantages for your care:

• Exceptional Detail: It provides superior anatomical detail of the bones, which is critical for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.
• Speed and Efficiency: The scan itself is very fast, making it an excellent tool in emergency and trauma situations.
• 3D Reconstruction: The data can be used to create detailed 3D models of your shoulder, giving your surgeon a complete view of the injury.
• Informed Treatment: The precise findings help your doctor make the most accurate and effective treatment decisions for your specific condition.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Scan Shoulder

This powerful imaging tool is instrumental in diagnosing a wide range of shoulder conditions:

• Complex fractures of the humeral head, glenoid, scapula (shoulder blade), or clavicle.
• Osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases.
• Bone tumors, both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous).
• Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone).
• Specific dislocation-related injuries like Hill-Sachs lesions (a compression fracture of the humeral head) and Bankart lesions (damage to the glenoid).

Preparation is simple and straightforward.

• Clothing: Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. It's best to avoid clothing with metal zippers, snaps, or buttons in the shoulder area. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• Metal: You will need to remove all jewelry, piercings, hairpins, and any other metal objects that could interfere with the images.
• Contrast Preparation: If you are scheduled for a CT scan shoulder with contrast, you will likely be instructed not to eat or drink anything for 4-6 hours before your appointment.

Pre-requisites

• You will need a referral (prescription) from your doctor to have a CT scan.
• For a scan with contrast, we may require recent blood test results (specifically creatinine levels) to ensure your kidneys are functioning well enough to process the dye.

Best Time to Take the Shoulder CT Scan

A CT Scan Shoulder can be performed at any time. It is typically scheduled as a routine appointment, but at Cadabams Diagnostics, we are also equipped to perform it on an urgent basis in emergency situations. [Link to: Book an Appointment] to find a time that works for you.

Eligibility

Most people can undergo a shoulder CT scan without any issues. However, it's essential to let our staff know if you:

• Are or think you might be pregnant.
• Have a known allergy to iodine or contrast dye.
• Have severe kidney disease or kidney failure.

Procedure for Taking a Shoulder CT Scan

Here’s what you can expect during your appointment at Cadabams Diagnostics:

1. Positioning: You will be asked to lie down on a comfortable, motorized table. Our technologist will carefully position you to ensure the best possible images are captured. This may involve having your arm placed by your side or raised overhead.
2. Moving into the Scanner: The table will then slide slowly into the center of the large, doughnut-shaped CT scanner. Only your shoulder will be in the center of the machine.
3. Staying Still: The technologist, who will be in an adjacent control room, will ask you to remain very still. You may also be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time while the images are being taken.
4. Scanning: The machine will rotate around you, but you won't feel anything. The entire imaging process is quick, typically lasting only about 10-15 minutes.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety, it is crucial that you inform the technologist before the scan begins if:

• You are or might be pregnant.
• You have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye in the past.
• You have diabetes and are taking metformin (e.g., Glucophage). You may be given special instructions.
• You have a history of kidney problems, including receiving dialysis.