CT WRIST

CT Wrist Overview

Introduction  

CT scan wrist or Computed Tomography of the wrist is an imaging technique that captures details of the wrist region for examination of the bones and joint structures. It enables the evaluation of bony fragments, arthritic changes, congenital defects, and other anomalies by offering cross-sectional and three-dimensional imagery of the structure in question. A CT wrist scan is especially appropriate when X-ray images are indeterminate or in situations where exact delineation of the bone configuration is critical for surgical procedures. 

What is a CT scan of the Wrist? 

CT of Wrist involves multiple X-ray views being taken around the wrist, which is followed by processing the images into versatile 2D and 3D representations of the bones and joints of the wrist. This makes it possible for clinicians to identify even minute fractures, dislocations and bone and joint pathological changes that may not be visible in standard radiographs.

Parameters Considered

Evaluative parameters include: 

• Assessment of the skeleton’s spatial arrangement in relation to each other. 
• Spanning space between bones of a joint in regard to one another. 
• Formation of new bony tissue, bony damage, epithelial bone inflammation, or cyst formation. 
• Structural strength (density) of the bones and arrangement of their internal mesh-like framework. 
• Healing process after surgical intervention in the wrist and assessment of the structural materials used in the surgery. 

Reasons for the Test

• Chronic pain in the wrist without any apparent reason. 
• Fractures that are not visible or do not change position when compared to previously visualized or feasible images. 
• Healing progress after a bone fracture. 
• Observational studies of bony protrusions and non-invasive deformities or changes to the wrist. 
• Assessment of dynamic displacements of the wrist joint associated with unstable degenerative joint changes. 

When and Who Needs a CT Wrist Scan? 

Indications: 

• Pain in the wrist region that persists despite normal imaging. 
• Fractured scaphoid, other carpal bone lesions, or scaphoid bone fracture suspicion. 
• Changes due to arthritis or other degenerative processes. 
• Scrutinizing injuries to the wrist which require surgical intervention. 
• Identification of congenital wrist deformities. 

Patient Demographics: 

• Patients with sustained trauma to the wrist. 
• Sportsmen suffering through repetitive strain injuries. 
• Geriatric patients with hidden fractures. 
• Females and males planned for surgical procedures involving the wrist. 
• Congenital deformity of the wrist in paediatric patients. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Optimizing imaging techniques for skeletal constituents to achieve maximum accuracy. 
• Procedure is quick, painless, and non-surgical 
• Assists in both surgical and therapeutic approach formulation 
• 3D reconstruction improves visualization of fractures 

Conditions Diagnosed

• Fractures of scaphoid or lunate bones 
• Carpal instability syndrome 
• Bone tumour or cysts 
• Osteoarthritis 
• Congenital osseous defects 

How to Prepare for the CT scan

• Wear loose fitting and comfy attire 
• Remove any jewellery or other metal items above the wrist 
• No contrast does not need fasting; otherwise fasting is needed 

Pre-requisites 

• Referral from a medical practitioner 
• Assess for allergy to contrast media or renal function (if contrast is planned) 

Best Time to Take the Scan 

• Anytime requested by the physician 
• Preferable on early mornings for quicker report turnaround 

Eligibility 

• Ideal for the vast majority of patients 
• With caution on case of pregnant women unless clear benefits exist 

Procedure 

• Patient placed sitting or supine, as long as wrist is in the gantry 
• Wrist is secured by foam and straps 
• Scanning can be done in minutes 
• Images compiled are reconstructed for thorough appraisal 

Caution 

• Avoid movement to minimize motion blur 
• Alert the technologist about the presence of any allergy, implant or pregnancy