What Is This Scan?

A Musculoskeletal CT uses X-rays and advanced computer processing to produce highly detailed images of the bones, joints and surrounding structures.

It provides excellent visualisation of bone detail, joint surfaces, fractures and surgical hardware, and can produce detailed multiplanar and 3D reconstructions.

Depending on your symptoms and your doctor's request, CT can assess areas including the:

• Shoulder and clavicle
• Elbow
• Wrist and hand
• Pelvis and hips
• Sacroiliac joints
• Knee
• Ankle and foot
• Long bones
• Other bones and joints

At IMPACT Radiology, the examination can be tailored to the specific bone, joint or clinical question being investigated.

Conditions We Commonly Assess

• Fractures & Trauma
• Complex fractures
• Subtle or occult fractures
• Intra-articular fractures
• Stress and insufficiency fractures
• Fracture displacement and alignment
• Fracture healing
• Delayed union and non-union
• Complications following fractures
• Arthritis & Joint Disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Joint surface abnormalities
• Subchondral cysts and sclerosis
• Sacroiliac joint disease
• Other bony joint abnormalities
• Bone Lesions & Infection
• Bone tumours
• Benign bone lesions
• Suspected metastatic disease
• Osteomyelitis and other bone infections
• Areas of abnormal bone destruction or formation
• Further assessment of abnormalities identified on X-ray or other imaging
• Surgery & Joint Replacement
• Pre-operative planning
• Joint replacement planning
• Assessment of existing joint replacements
• Position of surgical hardware
• Hardware loosening or failure
• Periprosthetic fractures
• Post-operative complications
• Assessment of bone stock
• Sports & Musculoskeletal Injuries
• Complex bony sports injuries
• Small avulsion fractures
• Joint injuries
• Osteochondral abnormalities
• Chronic injuries and abnormal bone formation
• And many more.

Why Might My Doctor Request This Scan?

• A known or suspected fracture
• Persistent pain following an injury
• A suspected fracture not clearly seen on X-ray
• A complex fracture requiring further assessment
• Sports-related injury
• Arthritis or joint pain
• Reduced joint movement
• A suspected bone lesion
• Suspected bone infection
• Delayed fracture healing
• Previous orthopaedic surgery
• Problems involving surgical hardware
• A joint replacement requiring assessment.
• Preprocedural assessment

CT may also be requested for surgical or joint replacement planning.

Preparation

Most Musculoskeletal CT examinations require no special preparation.

You may usually eat, drink and take your regular medications normally.

Intravenous contrast is not routinely required when assessing fractures or bone anatomy.

In rare ocassion, contrast may occasionally be required when investigating certain tumours, infections or soft-tissue abnormalities.You will be provided with specific instructions if contrast is required.

What Happens During the Scan?

The affected limb, bone or joint will be positioned comfortably on the CT table.

The table moves through the scanner while detailed images are obtained. You will need to remain still for a short period while the images are acquired.

The actual CT acquisition usually takes only a few seconds.

The images can then be reconstructed in different planes and, where appropriate, into detailed 3D images to better demonstrate complex anatomy.