CT Si Joints

Quick facts

• Scan time: 5–7 minutes
• Report ready: Within 3 hours (urgent) or same-day
• Cost: Transparent, insurance-friendly pricing
• Locations: Multiple Bengaluru centres with free parking

Why Cadabams Diagnostics

• Low-dose protocols: Up to 40 % less radiation than standard settings
• AI-enhanced 3-D reconstruction: Spot early erosions missed on plain X-rays
• NABL-accredited lab: Quality you can trust
• Patient-first approach: Personal escort from reception to report collection

Definition in plain words

A CT SI JOINTS scan uses a rotating X-ray beam to create cross-sectional images of your sacroiliac joints. It shows bones in far greater detail than any routine test.

How CT differs from X-ray/MRI

Non-contrast CT

• Quick baseline study for arthritis or trauma
• No needles or dye required

CT with 3-D reconstruction

• Adds computer-generated 3-D bone model
• Helps surgeons plan complex fusions or screw placements

Radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics look for:

• Joint space width: Narrowing suggests inflammation
• Erosions & sclerosis: Early vs advanced changes
• Ankylosis signs: Bony bridging indicating fusion
• Fracture lines: After trauma
• Alignment: Check for subluxation

Common symptoms prompting the scan

• Deep buttock or lower-back pain lasting > 6 weeks
• Stiffness that improves with movement
• Pain worse at night or early morning
• Swelling over sacrum or pelvis after trauma

Referring specialties

• Rheumatology
• Orthopaedics
• Sports medicine
• Physiotherapy clinics

• High-resolution bone detail: Spot changes 6 months earlier than X-ray
• Fast scan time: In and out in under 15 minutes
• Guides targeted therapy: Confirms if biologics or physiotherapy is needed

• Ankylosing spondylitis: Symmetric joint erosion & fusion
• Psoriatic arthritis: Asymmetric changes with new bone formation
• Septic sacroiliitis: Bone destruction plus soft-tissue abscess
• Osteoarthritis: Joint space narrowing & sclerosis only

Clothing & metal objects

• Wear loose, metal-free clothing
• Remove belts, zippers, keys, phones, jewellery

Fasting requirements

• Non-contrast CT: No fasting needed
• Contrast CT: Fast 4 hours; sips of water allowed

Diabetic patient tips

• Early morning slots to avoid long fasting
• Bring recent creatinine & blood sugar reports

• Valid doctor’s prescription with clinical indication
• Creatinine report (within 4 weeks) if contrast planned
• Pregnancy declaration for women of child-bearing age

• Early morning slots: Ideal for diabetics and working professionals
• Avoid during acute pain flare: Consult your doctor first; painkillers may be needed

• Adults: Any age; weight limit 150 kg on our wide-bore scanner
• Paediatrics: Above 5 years or ≥ 20 kg for optimal image quality

1. Arrival & registration: 5 min
2. Consent & questionnaire: 2 min
3. Changing & metal check: 2 min
4. Positioning: Lie supine, arms above head
5. Scanning: 5–7 min
6. Observation (if contrast): 15 min for reactions
7. Report collection: 60–180 min depending on urgency

Contrast allergy precautions

• Inform staff of prior iodine or shellfish allergy
• Pre-medication available 12 hours before scan

Renal function checks

• Creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL may need hydration or a non-contrast study

Radiation exposure explained

• Effective dose ≈ 2–3 mSv (equal to 8 months of natural background).
• Our iterative-reconstruction software cuts dose by up to 40 % without losing image quality.

Limitations for soft-tissue detail

While CT SI JOINTS excels at bone, subtle ligament tears or early bone-marrow oedema may need an additional MRI.