Knee CT scan

You will lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. When 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 makes several images of the body area. These are called slices. These images can be…

Some exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be injected into your body before the test. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays. Contrast can be given through a vein (IV). If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the test. Let your…

Some people may be uncomfortable lying on the hard table. Contrast given through an IV may cause: Slight burning feeling Metallic taste in the mouth Warm flushing of the body These feelings are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.

A CT scan can quickly create more detailed pictures of the knee than standard x-rays. The test may be used to detect: Abscess or infection Broken bone Examine fractures and pattern of fractures The cause of pain or other problems in the knee joint (usually when MRI can't be done) Masses and tumors, including cancer…

Results are considered normal if no problems are seen.

Abnormal results may be due to: Abscess (collection of pus) Arthritis Broken bone Bone tumors or cancer Healing problems or scar tissue after surgery

Risks of CT scans include: Exposure to radiation Allergy to contrast dye Birth defect if done during pregnancy CT scans give off 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 provider should…

Damasena I, Spalding T. Computed tomography of the knee joint: indications and significance. In: LaPrade RF, Chahla J, eds. Evidence-based Management of Complex Knee Injuries . St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2021:chap 4. Kapoor G, Toms AP. Current status of imaging of the musculoskeletal system. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard…