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The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body. If there is at least a minimal violation in it, then the patient has a feeling of discomfort, which contributes to a decrease in physical activity, limitation of motor abilities. A neglected pathological process can lead to serious consequences, and sometimes to disability.
To diagnose the state of the knee joints, it is necessary to examine the soft tissues, hyaline cartilage, synovial membrane, articular bag, cavity and bone surface. As a result of diagnostic measures, doctors can determine swelling, effusion, various growths, marginal osteophytes.
There are many methods of instrumental research, but computed tomography is considered the most common and effective.
Computed tomography of the knee joint is an x-ray examination of each layer of the joint.
What is a CT scan of the knee?
This technique of instrumental research, like magnetic resonance and spiral computed tomography, refers to the tomographic technique of cross-sectional examination of the organs of the human body. Diagnosis is made by X-rays.
Who is shown such a diagnosis?
An orthopedic traumatologist is engaged in instrumental examination of the knee joint. He prescribes computed tomography for patients with:
- acute pain localized in the area of the knee joint and nearby tissues;
- traumatic injuries of varying degrees of complexity;
- suspicion of a fracture, especially complex forms that are not diagnosed on a simple x-ray;
- suspicion of a trabecular fracture (fracture in the inner part of the bone, while not violating the natural integrity in the outer layer;
- suspected joint dislocation or accumulated displacement (displacement of the patella);
- possible accumulation of joint fluid;
- suspicion of the presence of a cyst, which is localized on the back of the knee joint;
- suspicion of neoplasms;
- suspicion of the presence of an “intra-articular mouse”;
- regular joint clicks;
- limited ability to flex and extend the knee.
Also, doctors can prescribe a similar diagnosis in order to monitor the work of the knee joint after surgery.
In what cases is diagnostics contraindicated?
Computed tomography is strictly prohibited for women during the period of bearing a child, during breastfeeding. The contrast agent is able to penetrate into breast milk, so if a woman has serious indications for such a study, then the child should be temporarily transferred to artificial feeding. You can resume breastfeeding only after the contrast has completely disappeared from the body (after about two days).
It is also forbidden to diagnose patients with a large weight (more than 180 kilograms).
Computed tomography of the knee joint with the use of a contrast agent is prohibited in the following cases:
- the presence of an allergic reaction to contrast or iodine;
- serious disorders in the work of the heart;
- poor blood clotting;
- diabetes mellitus type 2;
- high creatine concentration in blood serum;
Doctors do not conduct research when the patient is in serious condition.
The preparation process for computed tomography
If the study is carried out without the use of a contrast agent, then special preparation is not required.
Immediately before starting to scan the patient, he is dressed in a special suit. The patient must remove absolutely all jewelry. Otherwise, the image will be distorted, and it will be difficult for the doctor to make a final diagnosis.
If there is an indication for a diagnosis with the addition of a contrast agent, then special preparation is already needed. The contrast is administered to the patient by intravenous injection. To do this, the doctor finds a large ulnar blood vessel and installs an appropriate catheter, through which the injection of a contrast agent will begin.
During such a procedure, the patient may experience a burning sensation, bitterness in the mouth, drying of the mucous membrane in the oral jaw and slight dizziness. These symptoms are normal. After 15-20 seconds, everything goes away on its own, without symptomatic therapy.
How is the diagnosis carried out?
Diagnosis is carried out on an outpatient basis. The patient is located on the table of the apparatus. He is tied with straps. As soon as the scanning starts, the table drives into the tomograph. While the scanner is slowly moving to take the appropriate pictures, the patient lies still.
During the procedure, the radiologist, who controls the entire process and controls the technique, is outside the door.
As a rule, such a diagnostic event lasts 40 minutes.
After the diagnosis, the patient should drink as much liquid as possible, which contributes to the rapid removal of the contrast.
What are the benefits of computed tomography?
Previously, the diagnosis of the knee joints was carried out using magnetic resonance imaging, but, unfortunately, it is not able to give the exact answers that doctors are interested in.
During magnetic resonance imaging, doctors can evaluate ligaments, internal and external cartilage, articular cartilage, and nearby soft tissues. While computed tomography diagnoses injuries of varying complexity, post-traumatic disorders, intraosseous tumors and various neoplasms.
In case of problems with the knee joints, it is necessary to contact experienced specialists who will help you choose a diagnostic technique, and in the future, effective treatment. Otherwise, serious violations can begin, leading to serious consequences, and sometimes to disability.