Arm CT scan

You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. Modern "spiral" scanners can perform the exam without stopping. A computer creates separate images of the arm area, called slices. These images can be…

For some tests, you will need to have a special dye, called contrast, to be delivered into the body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays. Contrast can be given through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm. If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink…

Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table. Contrast given through an IV may cause a slight burning sensation, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These feelings are normal. They will go away within a few seconds.

CT rapidly creates detailed pictures of the body, including the arms. The test may help detect or diagnose: An abscess or infection The cause of pain or other problems in the wrist, shoulder or elbow joints (usually when MRI cannot be done) A broken bone Masses and tumors, including cancer Healing problems or scar…

Results are considered normal if no problems are seen in the images.

Abnormal results may be due to: Degenerative changes due to age Abscess (collection of pus) Blood clot in the arm (deep venous thrombosis) Bone tumors Cancer Broken or fractured bone Damage to the hand, wrist, or elbow joints Cyst Healing problems or development of scar tissue after surgery Deformity from growth

Risks of CT scans include: Being exposed to radiation Allergic reaction to contrast dye Birth defect if done during pregnancy CT scans expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is small. You and your…

Kapoor G, Toms AP. Current status of imaging of the musculoskeletal system. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 38. Perez EA. Fractures of the shoulder, arm, and forearm. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds.…