Technique of routine joint computed tomography without iodinated contrast injection

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Le Thao Tram - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

Computerized tomography is one of the routine tests that do not inject iodine contrast. It is performed by horizontal cuts that cover the entire joint and the ends of the bones of the extremities that make up the joint.
A joint CT scan can be used to guide the doctor during a procedure, such as a biopsy. It is also important in the planning of certain therapies and surgeries, and is subsequently used to determine whether a patient's body will respond to treatment.
CT scans of joints or bones can help identify spinal abnormalities including scoliosis, herniated disc or spinal stenosis. In addition, it also allows examination of bones, soft tissues, fractures or any abnormalities. In addition, a joint CT scan will help the doctor to detect tumors (determine whether there is cancer, location, size and volume of the tumor) or infection or determine bone structures as well as accurately measure. bone density.

2.1. Indications for joint CT scan
Cases where the doctor will prescribe joint imaging:
The patient needs to be evaluated for tumor damage, bone inflammation and degeneration
The patient has an injury and signs of injury bone injury
● The patient has signs of congenital abnormalities in bones and limbs.
2.2. Contraindications to joint CT
● Those who are not prescribed by a doctor
● Pregnant women.

Before the CT scan the patient will be asked to wear loose and comfortable clothing, usually a hospital gown. After that, remove all metal objects such as jewelry, dentures, hairpins, etc. Because they may affect the test results.
The patient will probably be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours (range 4 to 6 hours) before the scan if contrast is needed.
The patient will be explained in detail by the specialist and the technician to help the patient cooperate more easily.

The patient is instructed to lie supine on the table of the machine, in a relaxed position. At the same time, the patient will be secured with a belt so that the correct position can be maintained during the examination. The shooting position will depend on where the joint is photographed. If the patient has small movements, it will make the image blurry, reducing the quality of the image as well as the test results.
The technician will instruct the patient to breathe in while taking the picture, which will help make the image clearer. Because, even a small movement including breathing can have an impact on the image captured.
The technician will determine the cut oriented in two horizontal planes with the examination area covering the entire joint and the top and bottom of the bones that make up the joint. Then, imaging of the defined cross-sectional layers will be performed.
Test results are adopted using specialized software to reconstruct the image of the limb bones in different directions and prioritize the location of the injured joint.
Routine joint computed tomography is one of the effective methods to help doctors diagnose and effectively treat diseases related to musculoskeletal. Accordingly, to achieve the best imaging results to provide a timely treatment regimen, you should choose reputable medical facilities to perform.
With the desire to improve the quality of medical examination and treatment to meet the needs of customers, now Vinmec International General Hospital has been and continues to invest in modern machines to serve CT scans. computer, X-ray, MRI ... in diagnosing images, thereby identifying diseases that customers may have and giving timely treatment, avoiding dangerous complications that may be happen.
Especially to bring about high efficiency in medical examination and treatment, now Vinmec also designs many medical services accompanied by leading specialists both at home and abroad to bring results. the best treatment results for customers.