Le https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Maux/examens-medicaux-operations/Fiche.aspx?doc=examen-scannerscanner is a imaging technique for diagnostic purposes which uses X-rays to “sweep” a region of theorganisme and make sectional images. It is a widely used exam in rheumatology.

The term “scanner” is actually the name of the medical device, but the term is often used to refer to the exam. We also talk about computed tomography or of scanographie.

Rheumatology is a medical specialty which concerns the musculoskeletal system, and in particular the diseases of the bones, joints and muscles.

Thus, the scanner makes it possible to evaluate the morphology and the volume of the anatomical structures of the osteoarticular system, and to detectpossible anomalies, at the elbow, knee, hip, ankles, spine (spine), etc.

The doctor orders a CT scan for many reasons, for example to detect:

• a fracture at the level of the pelvis, the femur, a vertebra

• a erosion ou lesion bone

• un bone tearing

• of the calcifications in soft tissue

• un abscess or a infection osteoarticular

• the cause of joint pain

• the presence of you die, certain cancers, etc.

The examination can also be requested before performing a surgical intervention, in order to help the doctor at the time of the operation, or to clarify the diagnosis and in particular the presence of lesions insufficiently visible on conventional x-rays.

The patient lies on his back and is placed on a table capable of sliding through a ring-shaped device. This contains an X-ray tube which rotates around the patient, and more precisely the area to be explored.

The patient must be still during the examination and may even have to hold his breath for a short time to ensure good image quality. The medical staff, placed behind a protective glass against X-rays, monitor the progress of the examination on a computer screen and can communicate with the patient via a microphone.

To improve the legibility of the images, the examination may require the prior injection of a ascertained product (iodine based). If so, it is usually injected intravenously before the exam. You will then probably be asked to be fasting.

With the images obtained, the doctor can establish an accurate diagnosis of many bone and joint disorders:

• a fracture

• a amyotrophie (decrease in muscle volume)

• the presence of a hematoma

• a bone injury

• a bone tumor

• a rheumatic disease, theOsteoarthritis, etc.

Note that the scanner is not the most efficient examination to identify specific lesions in a cartilage, ligament, tendon or even a muscle. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is more recommended.