Shoulder 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 shoulder area. These are called slices.…

Certain exams require 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). If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the test. Let…

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 sensations are normal and most often go away within a few seconds.

CT rapidly creates detailed pictures of the shoulder. The test may help diagnose or detect: A dislocation , fracture , or other shoulder injury Soft tissue problems such as damage to the rotator cuff tendons Abscess or infection The cause of pain or other problems in the shoulder joint when MRI cannot be done Masses…

Results are considered normal if the shoulder being examined is normal in appearance.

Abnormal results may be due to: Abscess (collection of pus) Bone tumors or cancer Dislocated shoulder Shoulder fracture Rotator cuff tears Failure to heal or development of scar tissue after surgery

Risks of CT scans include: Being exposed to radiation Allergic reaction to contrast dye Birth defect if done during pregnancy CT scans do 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…

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.…