CT Scan Shoulder

1. Non-contrast CT – quick bone check, no dye
2. Contrast-enhanced CT – iodine dye highlights vessels, tumours or infection
3. 3-D CT reconstruction – surgeons view rotator-cuff tear from any angle pre-op Your doctor will decide which type you need based on symptoms.

Radiologists evaluate:

• Glenoid version (socket angle)
• Acromion morphology
• Hill-Sachs lesion size
• Calcification in tendons
• Joint space narrowing
• Implant loosening

• Detect hairline scapula fractures missed on X-ray
• Stage arthritis before replacement surgery
• Map tumour margins prior to biopsy
• Check if metal plates are irritating nerves

Book a CT scan shoulder if you notice:

• Night pain that wakes you up
• Weakness or “clicking” when lifting objects
• Persistent swelling after a fall or sports injury
• Failed physiotherapy after 4–6 weeks Typical patients include:
• Athletes with recurring dislocations
• Osteoarthritis sufferers needing joint-spacer assessment
• Trauma cases where plain X-rays appear normal
• Post-operative patients checking implant position

• 10-minute scan time – shorter than MRI
• Same-day report at Cadabams Diagnostics
• 3-D prints available for complex surgery planning
• Cost-effective compared with repeated X-rays

• Rotator-cuff tear with bone impingement
• Shoulder dislocation & Bankart lesion
• Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
• Bone tumours (osteochondroma, metastasis)
• Synovial chondromatosis

• Wear loose, metal-free clothing; we provide a gown
• Remove jewellery, hairpins, hearing aids
• Bring old imaging CDs for comparison
• Eat normally unless contrast is planned (fast 2 h)

• Doctor’s prescription stating shoulder (left/right/bilateral)
• Recent creatinine report if age >50 and contrast needed
• Diabetic patients should inform our team for metformin adjustment

• Within 7 days of acute trauma for insurance documentation
• 4–6 weeks after conservative therapy if pain persists
• Pre-operative work-up 2–3 weeks before planned surgery

• Adults and children >2 years (pediatric protocols reduce dose)
• Pregnant women can undergo scan if medically essential with abdominal shielding
• Weight limit 200 kg; bariatric coaches available

1. Arrive 15 min early for registration
2. Change into gown; tech verifies implant history
3. Lie on table, arm positioned overhead in soft strap
4. Table moves into gantry; you’ll hear gentle whirring
5. Hold breath for 5–10 sec to reduce motion
6. Contrast injection (if ordered) may cause warm flush
7. Scan completes; leave with printed receipt

• Inform staff of pregnancy or contrast allergy
• Beta-blockers do not interfere; continue medication
• Claustrophobic patients tolerate open-bore CT well; music goggles available

Risks

• Radiation dose equals 6–9 months of natural background exposure (still within safe limits)
• Contrast dye may trigger mild allergy (itching, rash) in 1–3 % of people Limitations
• Cartilage detail is inferior to MRI; however bone detail is superior
• Very obese patients may exceed table weight limit (200 kg)