CT SCREENING SHOULDER

A CT scan of the shoulder is an imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the shoulder joint and its adjacent soft tissues. This test is usually performed to determine the presence of shoulder injuries, arthritis, and tumors as well as to monitor these conditions if present.  

What is CT Screening Shoulder? 

CT scan of the shoulder utilizes x-rays and a computer to create images of the shoulder joint and the surrounding soft tissues. In the course of the test, the patient is put on a table that rolls into a large round machine. This machine rotates around the patient’s shoulder taking x-ray pictures from multi-dimensional angles which are later combined to form detailed cross-sectional images. 

Types of CT Screening Shoulder 

Some of the types of CT screenings that can be done to the shoulder include:  

• Non-Contrast CT: An evaluation of the shoulders’ bones that does not require the use of contrast dye.  
• Contrast Enhanced CT: This test evaluates soft tissue structures like soft tissue flexors with the use of contrast dye.  
• CT Arthrogram: This test studies the joint space and adjacent tissues with the use of contrast dye. 

During the scans, specialists search for the following: 

• Fractures or degenerative bone changes  
• Soft tissue damage like tendon or ligament tears 
• Inflammation or narrowing of the joint space 
• Tumours or masses within the shoulder region 
• Surrounding tissue abnormalities like cysts or abscesses 

A CT shoulder scan is indicated for the following cases: 

• Establishing the etiology of shoulder discomfort or restricted range of motion  
• Assessing the severity of a shoulder injury 
• Tracking the advancement of degenerative diseases, including arthritis 
• Identifying masses or neoplastic formations in the shoulder region 

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Screening Shoulder? 

This type of CT scan may require scheduling for individuals suffering from: 

• Joint stiffness or pain in the arm or shoulder regions accompanied by restricted mobility (osteoarthritis) 
• Sports injuries stemming from falls or other impact-related shoulder injuries, 
• Tumours or abnormal masses located around the shoulder region, 
• Painful and stiff movement patterns 

CT scans are especially appropriate for patients who are 40 years and older because this group is more likely to suffer from shoulder injuries and other degenerative complications over the years. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

A shoulder CT scan has many advantages, its most important ones are the following: 

• Detailed images of the shoulder joint and the neighbouring tissues.  
• The possibility of diagnosing many disorders, including bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, and neoplasm and mass lesion.  
• Non-invasive and minimal discomfort procedure  
• Helps to determine treatment approaches and evaluate the outcomes of therapy. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Screening Shoulder

The following conditions that may be diagnosed with a CT scan of the shoulders include:  

• Shoulder dislocation or fracture(s) 
• Tendons either inflamed or ruptured 
• Ligaments either sprained or torn 
• Joints arthritic or other forms of inflammation 
• Masses or neoplasms in the shoulder region 

Prior to the test, patients must: 

• Put on loose clothing that is easy to take off and on.  
• Take off any metal items including glasses and jewellery.  
• Advise the technician of any drugs and allergies as well as medical history.  
• Carry out any specific directions given by the medical practitioner. 

Pre-requisites 

There aren’t any defined specific prerequisites for shoulder CT scans but patients might need to: 

• Refrain from eating or drinking for a couple of hours prior to the scan.  
• Avoid some medications such as anticoagulants. 

Best Time to Take the CT Screening Shoulder 

Patients may freely select the time for the procedure but it is usually encouraged to do this at times when the shoulder symptoms are highly noticeable.  

Eligibility  

The cross section of the shoulder is usually recommended to patients over the age of forty, however it can also be issued to patients of younger age if they show signs of shoulder discomfort. 

Procedure for Taking a CT Screening Shoulder 

Generally, this test takes 15-30 minutes and includes just a few simple steps:  

1. Preparing the patient: The patient is placed on the exam table and instructed to relax and keep still throughout the course of the test.  
2. Capture the needed images: The CT scanner captures the shoulder X-ray pictures from different angles. 
3. Rebuild image: The X-ray images are built up into detailed slices of the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues.  
4. Interpret the images: A radiologist interprets the images and raises the report with the results for the healthcare provider. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients need to notify the technician about their: 

• Any previous allergy reactions to contrast dye or other medications. 
• Any known medical problems, for example, kidney disease or pregnancy. 
• Presence of any metal objects in the body like a pacemaker or an artificial joint.