Computed tomography is used in the diagnosis of various bone and joint diseases, e.g. in suspected osteoarthritis of large joints, in the assessment of post-traumatic lesions, in the diagnosis of benign and malignant bone neoplasms, chronic and atypical inflammation of bones and joints.
Examinationit illustrates betterbonesthan all other methods and is the only imaging method in which bones, tissues are visible in one photo soft and blood vessels.
Computed tomographyis not an invasive test, although sometimes an intravenous contrast agent (contrast) may need to be administered to better visualize abnormalities (e.g. in neoplastic lesions). Contraindication to the test may be claustrophobia, as well as an allergy or if you have had any allergic reactions to medications or contrast agents in the past. Other contraindications are bleeding tendency (haemorrhagic diathesis) and pregnancy. If you are in the second half of your menstrual cycle and you suspect that you may be pregnant, you cannot undergo a CT scan then either.
You must come to the examination on an empty stomach - you must not eat at least 6 hours in advance. The examination usually lasts from several to several dozen minutes. Young children are given sedatives before the examination, and general anesthesia may also be used.
You don't have to undress. You lie down on a special movable table. Then you are moved inside the apparatus (so-called gantry). On a special frame, a lamp that produces x-rays moves around your body. The radiation dose is relatively high, therefore the test should not be repeated any number of times.
You must remain still during the examination. The doctor tells you what to do at the moment. Most tomographs are equipped with the so-called intercom, used for voice communication between the patient and the doctor or technician. The device also has diodes that light up when the X-ray is sent - you must not breathe when the light is on.
After the examination, complications related to the administration of a contrast agent may appear. Report any undesirable symptoms to your doctor immediately.