CT scan of the shoulder

Computed tomography of the shoulder joint is a highly accurate diagnostic study that allows for a detailed assessment of the condition of the bone structures, articular surfaces and surrounding soft tissues of the shoulder girdle.

At the Oxford Medical Medical Center in Kyiv, CT is performed on a modern 64-slice Siemens Somatom Go.UP tomograph, which provides ultrathin slices with a thickness of 0.7 mm. Such high resolution allows you to obtain clear images of even the smallest anatomical details with minimal radiation exposure to the patient's body.

If you experience shoulder pain, limited mobility or other unpleasant symptoms, do not postpone a visit to the doctor. Make an appointment for a CT scan of the shoulder joint at the Oxford Medical Clinic and get help from experienced specialists.

CT of the shoulder joint is prescribed in cases where it is necessary to assess the condition of bone structures in detail, identify pathological changes or clarify the diagnosis after other examination methods. The main indications for this study include:

• Shoulder injuries: suspected fractures, cracks, dislocations or other damage to bones and articular surfaces.
• Chronic shoulder pain: especially if the pain does not disappear after conservative treatment or has an unclear etiology.
• Inflammatory diseases: arthritis, arthrosis, shoulder-scapular periarthritis and other inflammatory processes in the shoulder joint.
• Tumors and neoplasms: detection and assessment of the size, structure and spread of bone or soft tissue tumors.
• Suspicion of infectious processes: osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and other infectious lesions of bone tissue.
• Preparation for surgery: planning operations on the shoulder joint, including endoprosthetics.
• Postoperative monitoring: assessment of treatment results, implant position, and healing process.

In addition, a CT scan of the shoulder joint may be recommended if symptoms such as a popping or clicking sensation in the joint, limited mobility, numbness in the arm, or a feeling of weakness in the limb are present.

Preparation for CT of joints depends on the type of examination — with or without contrast enhancement.

No special preparation is required for CT without contrast. The patient can come for the examination at any convenient time. Before the procedure, it is only recommended to remove all metal objects from the area of ​​​​the study (chains, earrings, watches, etc.).

If a CT scan of the shoulder joint with contrast is planned, it is necessary:

• Take a blood test for creatinine level to assess kidney function (as prescribed by a doctor).

• Inform the doctor about any allergies to iodine-containing drugs.

• Abstain from eating 4-6 hours before the procedure.

The contrast agent is administered intravenously immediately before the scan. It allows for better visualization of blood vessels and soft tissues, which is especially important if tumors or inflammatory processes are suspected.

The procedure for a CT scan of the shoulder joint is painless and takes little time. It takes place in several stages:

1. Preparation: the patient goes to a special room where they remove clothing with metal elements and jewelry. If the injection of contrast is planned, the specialist installs a catheter for intravenous administration of the drug.
2. Placing on the tomograph table: the patient lies on the movable table of the tomograph in a supine position.
3. Scanning: the table with the patient is moved into the scanning part of the tomograph. It is important to remain still during the scan. The procedure only lasts a few minutes.
4. Completion of the procedure: after the scan is complete, the patient can return to their usual routine. If contrast was administered, it is recommended to drink more fluids to eliminate the drug from the body more quickly.

The results of the study are transmitted to the radiologist for analysis and preparation of a conclusion, which the patient receives in the form of images and a written description.

Although CT of the shoulder joint is a safe diagnostic method, there are certain contraindications to performing a contrast-enhanced study:

• Allergy to iodine-containing drugs: patients with known hypersensitivity to iodine or contrast agents are not recommended to perform a contrast-enhanced CT scan.
• Renal impairment: an elevated level of creatinine in the blood may indicate renal failure, in which case the administration of contrast is undesirable.
• Diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation: in such cases, deterioration of renal function is possible, which increases the risk of complications during the administration of contrast.
• Severe general condition of the patient: in case of heart failure, unstable blood pressure or other serious diseases, the decision to perform a contrast-enhanced CT scan is made individually.

Before prescribing the study, the doctor must assess all possible risks and benefits for the patient.

At the «Oxford Medical» clinic in Kyiv, you can undergo a computed tomography scan of the shoulder joint at an affordable price with a guarantee of high accuracy of results and comfortable service. The price of a CT scan of the shoulder joint depends on the type of examination — with or without contrast enhancement, the urgency of issuing results and additional services.

You can find out the price of a computed tomography scan of the shoulder in advance here. You can also clarify the price of a CT scan of the shoulder directly during the appointment.

Book a convenient time for the examination online or call!