Common investigations

CT scan

CT stands for computerized tomography. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure that uses a series of X-rays taken at slightly different angles of your body, to produce a detailed picture.

The images are taken while you lie on a bed that moves forwards and backwards through the scanner. In some instances a special dye may be injected into your shoulder to help improve the quality of the image.

CT scans provide good images of both bones and soft tissue areas, and can be especially useful in identifying tears or lesions in tendons, ligaments and cartilage, as well as any bone loss or anatomic abnormalities that may affect your treatment.

A CT scan is not suitable for you if you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant.

Having a CT scan

CT scanning of the shoulder takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Once you are referred for a scan the radiology department will contact you to arrange a time that is convenient for you to attend. If other investigations such as x-rays are being arranged as well it will often be possible to get these done at the same time. When you arrive for your scan you will be shown to a changing room to get into a light gown and then taken through to the scanner. The CT scan is undertaken with you lying on your back. You will be asked to lie down on a sliding couch which will be used to position you within the large "polo" shaped ring of the CT scanner. You will be able to listen to some music while the CT scan is underway. There is a wide choice of music available, or you may bring your own CD. The radiographer will be in constant contact with you, letting you know how the scan is progressing, and you will be able to speak to her at any stage. The CT scanner is very open and quite wide. Although some people find MRI scanning difficult because of a sense of claustrophobia, this is not usually a problem with CT scans. If you are concerned please let us know and we can arrange for you to have a look at the scanner before your appointment so you can see what will be involved.

Metal implants or clips are not in themselves a problem but these may affect the images we obtain. We have the latest sophisticated computer programmes which will reduce any impact to a minimum.

A pacemaker does not present a problem with CT scanning, unlike MRI. Nonetheless, please let us know if you have a pacemaker. CT canning does use x-rays although the most recent generation of scanners do in fact use much lower radiation exposures, on a par with normal x-rays.

After your scan the images will very carefully be reviewed by the consultant radiologist and a detailed report prepared. An appointment will be arranged for you with Mr. Cole who will go through the scans with you, discussing what they show and the implications and options for your further clinical management.