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A CT scan of the humerus is not often ordered. Due to the significant parameters, it is possible to study the shoulder bone formation using an x-ray. However, in some cases a more precise method is required. Tomography is considered the best method for diagnosing skeletal structures. In complicated clinical cases, tomography is indispensable, therefore, it is prescribed first of all.
Diagnosis using CT opens up a number of new possibilities. Now you can visualize the damage itself, identify the most minimal hematomas. The technique is ideal for a deep assessment of the bony elements of the shoulder. The severity of this kind of changes indirectly indicates the prevalence, depth of the lesion in a particular disease.
The technique is performed on more advanced equipment. The complex structure of the device includes a special tube-scanner with built-in sensors and a computer monitor, where direct data processing is carried out, ready-made images of structures are created.
Advantages
CT is applicable for diagnosing injuries, changes of various origins. Moreover, injury to the radial nerve is found exclusively on CT. timely diagnosis, adequate treatment will prevent the development of many health problems.
Tomography, unlike, for example, MRI diagnostics, is also prescribed for patients with metal elements in the body. That is, it is possible to constantly monitor the effectiveness of therapy, controlling the dynamics of treatment.
The technique is based on the use of the reflectivity of the rays. The dose of radiation is minimal, therefore practically can not cause harm, which means that the procedure can be carried out repeatedly.
Indications for the procedure
Often prescribed after an x-ray. The technique is mainly important for confirming or clarifying fractures, cracks, dislocations. Often, with the help of such a diagnosis, neoplasms of bone and tissue structures are detected. Through CT, multiple myeloma, gout, and a number of degenerative processes are diagnosed. Detect osteomyelitis, monitor the dynamics pathological changes, control the state after the intervention.
Additional indications include:
- identification of the etiology of slow healing of the fracture;
- false joint;
- tuberculosis disease of bone elements.
Study contraindications
Tomography is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the presence of x-ray load. CT is not recommended during hyperkinesis. Additionally, when using the stage withcontrast, diagnostics is also contraindicated during lactation, because colorant passes into breast milk. Otherwise, you will need to stop breastfeeding. a couple of days after injection.
In the presence of kidney damage, CT with contrast is also not prescribed due to strong and serious side effects. According to the technical characteristics, the device is unable to diagnose patients weighing more than 180-200 kg.
CT of the humerus, usually, do not conduct to young children up to 3 years, ideally, in the absence of an urgent need for such a study up to 14 years. This is a precautionary measure due to the presence of radiation exposure.
When and why contrast is needed
Fractures are diagnosed without contrast. Difficult diagnostic cases are always accompanied by contrasting, especially if the vessels are affected.
Contrast is a special substance based on iodine. It is necessary for maximum clarity of visualization of the examined elements. Entered parenterally after the first scan, a few minutes before re diagnostics. has neutrality, low toxicity to the body, therefore, usually, has no effect on the patient’s condition.
Function contrasting stages significant. Due to the staining of the vessels, further soft tissue contrast is improved. This significantly improves the quality of visualization, so the use of contrast is primarily justified in neoplasms. The dosage of the contrast agent is always selected individually. It all depends on the age and weight of the patient. The substance is excreted within 1-2 days.
Preparing for diagnostics
The study is carried out exclusively in the direction. Therefore, each patient should have a medical referral, an extract from the outpatient card, the results of previous studies, if such were carried out. No preparation is required for conventional CT.
If you need a contrast examination before the procedure, it is important not to eat for at least 6 hours.
Execution method
For the procedure, the patient is in a supine position. Direct scanning takes place in the annular part of the apparatus. It is important to remain still – the quality of the result depends on this.
X-ray laboratory assistant who conducts diagnostics, as well as a radiologist who evaluates the results obtained in the future, are in an adjacent room. Between the rooms there is a window that allows medical staff directly follow the examination process. Communication is only possible using the speakerphoneby which equipped with each tomograph. For a call X-ray technician there is a button that is kept by the patient during the procedure. The procedure takes no more than 5-15 minutes. The technique with contrast lasts up to half an hour.
After diagnosis, the patient must necessarily drink plenty of fluids. This is necessary to cleanse the body of contrast in a short time.
Tomography interpretation
All received images are processed by a special program under medical supervision. Also, the radiologist evaluates and deciphers the data obtained, describing them in the conclusion. Such processing often takes no more than an hour. The patient receives several large photographs and their detailed interpretation. Data can be sent to the patient by e-mail.
It is important to show the results to the doctor or specialist whose work is related to the identified pathology. Only by bringing together all the studies and evaluating the clinical picture, the doctor makes the final diagnosis.
In the absence of a medical referral, further actions entirely depend on the characteristics of the identified lesion. You can clarify them with specialists performing tomography.