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CT scan of the hip joints. How is a computed tomography scan of the hip joint performed? Preparation for a CT scan of the hip joint

CT scan of the hip joints. How is a computed tomography scan of the hip joint performed? Preparation for a CT scan of the hip joint

The hip joint is one of the most voluminous and at the same time vulnerable structures of the body. It carries an increased load, but at the same time is located at an “uncomfortable” angle to the body axis. Due to inadequate blood supply, this structure is often subject to pathological influences. Necrosis of the femoral head, deforming osteoarthritis, intra-articular fractures - all these problems are very serious and directly affect a person’s quality of life. Lack of proper treatment can lead to dysfunction of the hip joint. For this reason, it is very important to diagnose the pathology at an early stage, when therapeutic methods will slow down the progression of the disease. For this purpose, modern medicine uses CT scans of the hip joint. This diagnostic method helps to notice the manifestations of disorders at all stages of development.

Benefits of CT scanning

The hip joint is one of the most voluminous and at the same time vulnerable structures of the body.

The high quality of the resulting images makes it possible to enlarge images without compromising their quality. A specialist can examine even small foci of pathology. Initially, CT was used to study the bone component of the human supporting apparatus. However, today this diagnostic method helps to examine not only the contours of the hip and but also individual components of the ligamentous structure, cartilage and other soft tissue formations.

Sometimes CT can avoid the use of invasive techniques. These include arthroscopy and puncture. These procedures involve making an incision or puncture of the joint capsule, which often leads to complications and is painful. However, CT cannot fully replace these methods if they are necessary for administering medications or performing surgical interventions.

Another advantage of CT is its almost complete safety. The radiation that the patient receives is several times less compared to traditional radiography.

Indications for CT scanning

Computed tomography makes it possible to obtain images of itself, as well as the elements surrounding it. When performing a CT scan, doctors measure the distance between the examined structures, the circumference of the joint itself, and determine the location of bone fragments and foreign bodies. Obtaining such information facilitates the prescription of optimal therapy. The use of computed tomography of the hip joint is justified if the following disorders are suspected:

  • Degenerative changes.
  • Tumor formations of various etiologies.
  • Arthritis (a fairly serious disease manifested by lameness and severe pain).
  • Arthrosis (develops against the background of a change in the state of the joint fluid, which entails thinning of the cartilage tissue and bone deformation).
  • Osteomyelitis (a rare infectious disease characterized by the appearance of a purulent process).
  • Fluid accumulation.
  • Injuries and mechanical damage (bruises, sprains, fractures, hematomas).

A CT scan is recommended for many patients before surgery. The examination allows you to adjust the course of the operation and minimize the likelihood of complications. In addition, computed tomography helps to assess the dynamics of the pathological process and the impact of the chosen treatment on the course of recovery.

Preparing for CT

No special preparation is required before performing a CT scan. You should arrive for the procedure well in advance to have time to change into suitable clothing. You need to have a doctor’s referral, certificates and extracts from other specialists with you. It is not recommended to come to the examination wearing dresses or shirts with metal elements. Fasteners, buttons and zippers often distort photos. Many medical centers today provide disposable linen sets.

If your doctor has prescribed a CT scan using a contrast agent, you must follow a fasting diet. The last meal can be 6 hours before the procedure. This restriction is required to reduce the likelihood of side effects.

Carrying out diagnostics

The use of contrast is justified in cases where it is necessary to examine in detail the condition of the soft tissues and blood vessels surrounding the joint.

Upon entering the office, the patient lies down on the tomograph table. The ring of the device begins to rotate around it, scanning the area under study. During this procedure, the patient may hear extraneous noises and crackling sounds. To get high-quality images, you need to remain still for several minutes. For this purpose, the patient’s limbs are fixed with special devices. In some cases, especially with various phobias, the help of sedatives may be required. A CT scan without contrast takes only a few minutes. Otherwise, this period is increased by approximately 20 minutes.

During the CT scan, the specialists leave the room, and the patient is left alone. Doctors monitor the diagnosis from the next room through glass, while they can communicate with the patient via two-way communication. If discomfort or other unpleasant symptoms appear during a CT scan, you should immediately notify the staff. After diagnosis, the results obtained are immediately analyzed and interpreted. This usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. The photographs and the specialist’s report are given to the patient.

Application of contrast in CT

The use of contrast is justified in cases where it is necessary to examine in detail the condition of the soft tissues and blood vessels surrounding the joint. The substance is administered intravenously through a syringe. It quickly reaches all vessels. One of the largest arteries is located near the thigh, which requires examination quite often. Its diagnosis by other methods is impossible.

Typically, the contrast agent used does not affect the person's condition. In rare cases, patients complain of nausea or slight dizziness. When the patient's condition deteriorates rapidly, the CT scan is interrupted.

The use of a contrast agent during diagnosis is not recommended for people allergic to iodine. Its penetration into the body can cause anaphylactic shock. Also, the examination is not recommended for patients with diagnosed renal or heart failure, or disorders of the endocrine system. As for breastfeeding women, doctors advise abstaining from lactation for two days. At this time, you need to express the milk that is formed.

Possible contraindications

CT scan can reveal structural and some inflammatory changes in joint tissues. However, this diagnostic method is not suitable for everyone. In what cases is examination not recommended?


The attending physician should tell you about these contraindications at your appointment. If one or more parameters from the list above match, the specialist will offer alternative examination options.

Decoding the results

Alternative examination methods

Direct alternatives to CT include MRI, ultrasound, and traditional radiography. The doctor determines which option to choose from the above. It is necessary to understand that any examination method has its advantages and contraindications. Self-diagnosis and even treatment of various diseases is not recommended.

In the absence of alternative options, the patient is usually sent for an x-ray. This method allows you to “see” bone structures. It helps diagnose arthrosis of various etiologies, the presence of foreign bodies and arthritis. Ultrasound can easily detect fractures and other traumatic problems.

To examine soft tissues, patients are most often referred for magnetic resonance imaging. It helps to assess the condition of cartilage and muscles, and study the anatomical characteristics of the joint capsule.

The hip joint has a complex structure, which greatly complicates the diagnosis of many diseases and dysfunctions of the area. Of all the modern methods of diagnosing joints (,), computed tomography is considered the most effective. A CT scan of the hip joint gives the doctor high-precision information about the condition of an area that is difficult to diagnose. High information content is achieved through multilayer scanning.

Indications for use

Computed tomography in most cases is prescribed by the attending physician (surgeon, traumatologist, rheumatologist) to clarify or establish a diagnosis.

The images show not only the condition of the joints, but also show changes in the layers of bone under the cartilage, swelling, cysts and lumps in the soft tissue. A wide range of capabilities makes CT an effective method for diagnosing diseases of the osteoarticular system. After the examination, the doctor will receive a lot of information, thanks to which he will be able to determine a strategy and prescribe treatment. Also, depending on the severity of the disease, a preventive program is determined.

The specialist sends the patient for examination if there are suspicions about the presence of the following pathologies:

  • arthrosis of the hips or hip joint;
  • bone cracks;
  • rheumatoid arthritis;
  • osteoporosis;
  • abnormalities in the development of joints;
  • the presence of foreign bodies in the area of ​​bones and joints;
  • femoral neck fractures;
  • suspicion of metastases;
  • accumulation of fluid (pus, blood) inside the joint;
  • tumors of the hip joints, soft tissues (benign/malignant);
  • the presence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head;
  • intra-articular fractures;
  • the presence of traumatic injuries to soft tissues (articular capsule, muscles, ligaments);
  • osteomyelitis.

In addition to this list of diseases, computed tomography may be prescribed to the patient before surgery and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Contraindications

If the examination is carried out without the use of injections with contrast, then there is only one contraindication - pregnancy. However, in some situations, even a pregnant woman may be prescribed hip imaging. In this case, the specialist will cover the abdomen with a lead blanket to provide maximum protection to the fetus and maternal body from x-ray radiation.

If the disease is carried out with contrast, then there will be more prohibitions on the examination. CT scanning is not recommended for patients with the following pathologies:

  1. Heart failure.
  2. Kidney failure.
  3. Allergy to iodine.
  4. Endocrine system disruption.

How to prepare for the examination

If the examination is done without contrast, then no special preparation is required. You will only need to change into a shirt, which will be provided to the medical institution, and remove all metal objects (jewelry, accessories) from your body.

To obtain the most accurate results during the examination, diagnostics with contrast are prescribed. The substance allows you to scan soft tissues and blood vessels that surround the joint. The injection is given to the patient into a vein. The drug quickly seeps into all vessels of the body, including periarticular ones. How the injection is given depends on the machine. More modern ones are equipped with special injectors; in other cases, the substance is administered by a nurse through a catheter.

The patient must refrain from eating 4–6 hours before the procedure. If the patient is uncomfortable in the tomograph or cannot lie still during the examination, he is given a sedative. Sometimes the arms and legs can be secured with soft straps. All this is necessary for the pictures to be clear and without distortion. During the procedure, parts of the body that are not examined are covered with a special apron that reflects X-rays.

If the patient has no contraindications, then most likely the drug will not cause discomfort, but there are cases when nausea and dizziness occur. If during the examination the patient becomes ill, the procedure is stopped.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

During a CT scan of the pelvis, the patient lies on the machine table. The area to be examined is located under a scanning ring, which rotates and sends pulses through the body. There will be some noise from the equipment during the procedure.

The examination progress is observed through glass by staff in the next room. There is also a computer there that receives data from the tomograph. The doctor can see what the device shows and assess the condition of the joints and blood vessels during the process.

With contrast, diagnosis takes about 20 minutes, without the drug - no more than 5.

What does the procedure determine?

Using a computed tomography scan of the hip joint area, a radiologist can identify the following diseases:

  • tumors of bones (benign and malignant) and surrounding soft tissues;
  • the presence of metastases from other lesions;
  • the presence of a foreign body inside soft tissues, pelvic bones;
  • the degree of germination of soft tissue neoplasms into the bones;
  • the depth of growth of new bone formations into soft tissues;
  • I joints;
  • the degree of bone destruction that develops as a result of the formation of fistulas, Crohn's disease;
  • various pathologies of the hip joints.

Conclusion

When the procedure is completed, specialists will begin deciphering and describing the study. This may take 40 to 60 minutes. After this period, the patient receives a conclusion about the condition of the articular tissues and adjacent areas (muscles, subcutaneous fat, bones).

You should contact your doctor with the results. He will determine the strategy, prescribe treatment and preventive program. Depending on the severity of the disease, repeated examination may be required to monitor the dynamics of the pathology.

The hip joint is the largest organ in the human body, responsible for 40% of movements. Due to the increased load, its operation often fails. To accurately determine the nature of the damage, it is necessary to perform a CT scan (computed tomogram).

Indications

Computed tomography of the hip joint allows us to identify anomalies and pathologies at the earliest stages of their maturation. It is prescribed for suspected cases of the following diseases:

  • formation of cracks in the bone area;
  • arthrosis of the hips;
  • arthrosis of the hip joint;
  • fractures (inside the joints or in the femoral neck);
  • any ligament damage;
  • tumor formation.

As a result of the examination, the disease will be confirmed or refuted, the affected area and the stage of development of the disease will be identified. Depending on what the CT scan shows, the specialist can decide on the treatment method for the patient.

Features of the procedure

CT scan of the hip joint is a complex and responsible procedure. Its result will be as accurate as possible only if several rules are followed:

  • You must not drink or eat for 6 hours before meals;
  • Before visiting the CT room, you need to remove all items containing metallic inclusions: jewelry, accessories.

During the procedure, the patient must sit on a special table and take a lying position. Due to an automated mechanism, it is moved to a table surrounded by tomograph rings. The procedure takes from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Next, a detailed diagram of the structure of the hip joint will be shown on the computer screen, where the specialist will be able to determine whether there are any abnormal phenomena in this organ.

Important. During a CT scan of the hip joint, the patient must remain stationary, otherwise the result will be unclear. To ensure complete immobility, the researcher may prescribe sedatives, anesthesia, or restrain the patient with special restraint belts.

Comparison of CT with other diagnostic methods

There are a number of procedures that can detect abnormalities of the hip joint. Experts recommend doing a CT scan, as it can give the most accurate result. Compared to other procedures, it has a number of features:

  1. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is unable to diagnose internal trauma and intraosseous abnormalities. CT scan allows you to examine in detail the structure of the vein, nerves, ligaments, muscles and arteries. But magnetic resonance imaging better visualizes internal inflammation.
  2. X-rays clearly show the dense bone structure, which allows you to quickly identify the presence of cracks and injuries. But during an X-ray examination, the patient is exposed to a large dose of radiation, which can negatively affect his health.
  3. Ultrasound can determine the presence of a tumor and fluid content in important organs, but this procedure is unable to show the integrity of the bone structure.

What is better to do - CT, MRI or X-ray? For each patient, the type of procedure is selected individually by an experienced specialist. When choosing a suitable procedure, he pays attention to the patient’s health status, his complaints and the presence of contraindications.

Who shouldn't do it?

A CT scan of the hip is one of the most effective procedures. But its implementation is not possible for all patients. There are a number of contraindications to this procedure:

  • cardiac dysfunction, heart failure;
  • individual iodine intolerance;
  • disruption of the endocrine system;
  • renal failure.

Not every person knows how his body will behave when exposed to iodine or other contrast agents. If an allergic reaction occurs during the study, the specialist must give the patient an antihistamine, which must be in the CT scan room.

CT is contraindicated in case of iodine intolerance

Interesting fact: Almost half of patients have a fear of having a CT scan; they are afraid that they will be in a confined space for a certain time under the influence of rays, as well as that any malfunctions may occur in the equipment. If the patient has anxiety or a panic attack, then before the procedure the specialist gives him a sedative.

After a CT scan, some side effects may occur, including:

  • drowsiness;
  • dizziness;
  • nausea;
  • headache.

IMPORTANT! In most cases, they go away on their own within 3–4 hours after the procedure.

Is it possible to perform the procedure without a contrast agent?

For many patients, the procedure becomes impossible if an allergy to iodine is detected. An obvious question arises: is contrast agent necessary during a CT scan?

The contrast agent contains iodine. It is administered intravenously so that a clearer picture can be obtained and the condition of the circulatory system and muscle tissue can be assessed. Therefore, without a contrast agent, the result will be inaccurate. In rare cases, specialists still carry it out, but strictly under the influence of an antihistamine.

How is decryption carried out?

Decoding is carried out within 20–30 minutes after the procedure. The specialist compares the results of the structure of the hip joint with the norm. If pathological phenomena are detected, he can advise the patient the following:

  • contact an oncologist if any kind of tumor is detected;
  • contact an arthrologist if any kind of damage to the bone structure or cartilage tissue is detected;
  • contact a traumatologist if mechanical injuries or cracks are detected.

In some cases, additional ultrasound, x-ray or MRI is required to obtain a more accurate result.

Diagnosing any disease or dysfunction in the hip joint is very difficult due to its complex structure. The most suitable diagnostic method is considered to be a CT scan of the hip joint. It is this study that provides the specialist with accurate data on the condition of this difficult-to-diagnose area. Such accuracy and information content is achieved through multilayer scanning.

Of all the joint diagnostic methods used (radiography, ultrasound), computed tomography is considered the most reliable. The tomograph is capable of taking images of the organ or tissue being examined in different projections:

  • longitudinal;
  • transverse.

In this case, such scanning is performed without changing the patient’s position.

Computed tomography has become a popular diagnostic method due to the accuracy of the results it provides. This study will help the specialist to detect and study any anomalies, injuries, pathologies, diseases. The doctor may send the patient for the procedure if there is a suspicion of the following pathologies:

  • arthrosis of the hips, hip joint;
  • osteoporosis;
  • bone cracks;
  • femoral neck fractures;
  • rheumatoid arthritis;
  • intra-articular fractures;
  • osteomyelitis;
  • accumulation of fluid (pus, blood) inside the joint;
  • tumors of the hip joints, soft tissues (benign/malignant);
  • deforming osteonecrosis;
  • the presence of foreign bodies in the area of ​​bones and joints;
  • the presence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head;
  • abnormalities in the development of joints;
  • suspicion of metastases;
  • the presence of traumatic injuries to soft tissues (articular capsule, muscles, ligaments).

In addition to studying the above pathologies, CT scanning of the hip joints can be prescribed before surgery, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy.

What modern diagnostics can show

CT scan performed in the area of ​​the hip joints allows the radiologist to visualize the following diseases and pathologies:

  • tumors (benign/malignant) of bones and surrounding soft tissues;
  • the depth of growth of new bone formations into soft tissues;
  • the presence of metastases that have penetrated from other lesions;
  • the degree of germination of soft tissue neoplasms into the bones;
  • the presence of a foreign body inside soft tissues, pelvic bones;
  • various pathologies of the hip joints;
  • joint dysplasia;
  • the degree of bone destruction that develops as a result of the formation of fistulas and Crohn's disease.

Features of preparation for the procedure

If the diagnosis of joints is carried out without a contrast agent, the patient does not need special preparation. The only thing he will need to do before the CT scan is to put on medical clothes instead of his own, and remove all metal accessories and jewelry.

To get a more detailed picture of the area being examined, doctors prescribe diagnostics with contrast. A special dye is usually injected intravenously. Sometimes the procedure is performed by a nurse, the drug is administered through a catheter; more modern devices for administering a contrast agent have a special injector.

Before the study, the patient should not eat food (4 to 6 hours before). If the patient is unable to remain motionless, he is given a sedative. Limbs can also be secured using soft straps. The entire body that does not require examination is covered with an apron that reflects X-rays.

When planning to undergo a computed tomography scan, patients are interested in the cost of this diagnostic method. The price of the procedure is determined taking into account various factors (the use of contrast, the need to record images on disk, interpretation of the results, the status of the clinic, the class of equipment used). Accordingly, the cost of the study varies from 3 to 13 thousand rubles.

How the research is carried out

To carry out diagnostics, the patient lies down on the movable table of the device. The area of ​​interest (hip joint) is placed inside the scanning ring. The scanning ring rotates and sends signals through the body. If the diagnosis is performed without the use of a contrast agent, the procedure takes several minutes.

If a study with contrast is needed, it will be administered during the procedure. Accordingly, the CT scan in this case will take about 20 minutes. The specialist interprets the results after the procedure. The patient will be able to receive the recording of the examination and transcript in about an hour.

Contraindications for scanning with a tomograph

If diagnostics are performed without a contrast agent, the only contraindication will be pregnancy. Although, if necessary, even a pregnant woman can undergo imaging of the hip joints. In this case, the doctor will cover the abdominal area with a special apron, a lead blanket, in order to reduce the amount of X-rays affecting the body of the expectant mother.

When performing diagnostics with contrast, the circle of patients for whom CT is prohibited is growing. Contraindications are:

  • allergy to iodine;
  • dysfunction of the endocrine system;
  • renal failure;
  • heart failure.

Which is better for examining the hip joint: CT or MRI?

Each of these diagnostic procedures is quite informative, and most importantly provides accurate data on the state of the organ and system. But which one the patient should undergo is decided by the specialist. Each method has its own advantages:

  1. CT is excellent at visualizing bone injuries. To study veins, nerves, arteries, ligaments, and muscles, it is necessary to administer contrast.
  2. MRI is not suitable for diagnosing injuries, but clearly shows degenerative processes inside the bones. Magnetic resonance imaging perfectly visualizes inflammatory processes, ruptures, tears of ligaments and muscles. This diagnostic method is capable, even without the use of a contrast agent, of assessing the pathology of arteries (obturator, medial, lateral, branches of the deep femoral artery), veins (superficial, deep), nerves (femoral, obturator, sciatic).

The information content of each of the above research methods has been proven in practice. Despite the high cost, they will provide the most accurate information necessary for a specialist to choose an effective course of therapy.

Only a specialist understands all these subtleties. Therefore, if you have been prescribed a computed tomography scan of the hip joint, then you need to undergo this particular diagnosis. After all, it is she who is able to provide the doctor with a complete picture of the pathology.

CT scan of the hip joint

CT scan of the hip joint— X-ray tomographic examination of the lower limb joint with post-processor computer image processing and multiplanar image reconstruction. The scanning area includes the acetabulum, the proximal epiphysis with the neck and head of the femur, the ilium, as well as the auxiliary apparatus of the joint (capsule, ligaments, vessels, etc.). The use of contrast enhancement allows for a more detailed examination of periarticular soft tissues; native examination is more informative in the diagnosis of osteoarticular pathology. CT scan of the hip joint has diagnostic value in identifying inflammatory processes, degenerative changes, damage to ligaments and tendons, injuries (fractures), and neoplasms in this area. The study can be carried out before and after surgical interventions on the hip joint (including endoprosthetics).

CT scan of the hip joint is an auxiliary diagnostic method, usually prescribed after undergoing a standard x-ray examination. Depending on the existing pathology, either one or both joints may be scanned. The technique is highly informative in identifying diseases of the osteoarticular system. The study area includes the acetabulum, the ilium (partially), the head and neck of the femur with the proximal epiphysis. The scan also allows you to assess the condition of the vessels (with contrast) and the ligamentous apparatus. A CT scan of the hip uses X-rays, which are absorbed differently by tissue. The information is transmitted to sensors and then to a computer, where it is processed by special programs. Based on the images obtained, it is possible to assess the condition of the area under study and diagnose pathological changes.

CT scanning of the hip joint in Moscow is of greatest value in such areas of medicine as traumatology and orthopedics. The examination can be used before and after surgery to establish an accurate diagnosis, determine the extent of the operation and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. The technique is also widely used in oncology. Comparing computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, it should be noted that both methods make it possible to obtain layer-by-layer images of the area under study. At the same time, MRI is more informative when studying soft tissues, while CT allows one to obtain data on the condition of bone structures. Magnetic resonance examination uses electromagnetic radiation, which does not pose a threat to the patient’s health, so the procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary. A CT scan of the hip joint is allowed no more than twice a year. A less informative study compared to CT is standard radiography, which allows you to obtain images in which the structures under study are superimposed on each other. With CT, the doctor can build a three-dimensional model of the joint based on many layer-by-layer images.

Indications

Scanning is prescribed to patients if there is a suspicion of the development of malignant or benign tumors of the proximal femur, acetabulum and surrounding soft tissues. CT scan of the hip joint can detect even small tumors at a preclinical stage. The method is also effective in detecting metastases. Tomographic examination is widely used in traumatology, as it makes it possible to diagnose fractures of the acetabulum, head and neck of the femur, including those that are poorly visible on conventional x-rays. Using a CT scan of the hip joint, you can assess the degree of damage to bone tissue, determine the number of fragments, the severity and direction of displacement of fragments, and determine treatment tactics. Computed tomography is also prescribed to patients before surgery and after surgical treatment of a femoral neck fracture in order to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Using a CT scan of the hip joint, it is possible to detect infectious processes - arthritis, osteomyelitis. This diagnostic method is also quite informative if degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints are suspected. Scanning is prescribed for patients with arthrosis and osteoporosis. Layer-by-layer images of the pathological focus make it possible to assess the extent of the lesion and, based on these data, determine the subsequent treatment regimen. This is one of the most informative methods for diagnosing congenital anomalies of the structure of this joint. CT scan is prescribed for suspected congenital hip dislocation and hip dysplasia. The technique is also used for Perthes disease, a pathology that develops against the background of blood circulation disorders and leads to aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. To assess the functioning of the blood vessels and the condition of the joint as a whole, it is more advisable to perform a scan with the introduction of a contrast liquid.

Contraindications

Due to X-ray radiation, CT scanning of the hip joint is absolutely contraindicated in women during pregnancy. Due to the technical features of the tomograph, scanning is not carried out for patients with a body weight of 120-200 kg; the load capacity of various models of devices is in this range. The procedure is not recommended for children under 14 years of age and patients who cannot maintain a motionless body position for a long time. In case of vital necessity, the manipulation is performed under anesthesia. CT scan of the hip joint with contrast is contraindicated in patients with severe renal failure and in cases of allergy to iodine preparations. A relative contraindication to the use of contrast is the period of lactation. If it is necessary to conduct a study, the woman must stop breastfeeding for 2 days after the procedure.

Preparing for CT

A CT scan of the hip joint is usually prescribed by an orthopedist, traumatologist or oncologist after undergoing standard radiography. With native scanning, no preparation is required on the part of the patient. If a computed tomography scan is performed with the introduction of contrast, you must stop eating 6 hours before the procedure. Immediately before a CT scan of the hip joint, the patient should remove all metal objects, including metal-containing clothing. Personal items can be left in a separate room. The patient should wear cotton underwear or a disposable medical gown.

Methodology

For a CT scan of the hip joint with contrast, the substance is administered by intra-articular injection or intravenously. The first option is used more often, as it allows for good visualization of the soft tissues of the area under study. Intravenous administration of the drug is advisable if it is necessary to assess the blood supply to the hip joint and identify tumors. In orthopedics and traumatology, this method is rarely used. Contrast for CT scans of the hip joint is introduced immediately before starting the tomograph. Then the patient is placed on a mobile couch, which moves into the ring of the device. During the scan, the ring rotates around the patient's body.

The data obtained during a CT scan of the hip joint is transferred to a computer, where it is processed using special software. During the procedure, the patient must maintain a motionless position; failure to comply with this rule may cause image distortion. The duration of the examination is about 5 minutes. When a contrast agent is introduced, the scanning time increases to 20-30 minutes. During a CT scan of the hip joint, the patient does not experience discomfort.

Based on the images obtained, the radiologist can determine the presence of neoplasms, traumatic injuries, foreign bodies, congenital anomalies, etc. You can receive the results of the examination after 1-2 hours. The patient is given a written report, printed photographs and (in some cases) images on digital media. This data must be transferred to the attending physician to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine a further treatment regimen.

Cost of CT scan of the hip joint in Moscow

The price of the study depends on several factors. First of all, it is influenced by the type of institution - municipal hospitals have a more affordable cost of the procedure than private clinics. In some medical institutions, the cost of a hip CT scan in Moscow is reduced at night. The increase in cost of the technique is facilitated by the use of a contrast agent, while the volume of the drug is calculated based on the patient’s body weight. In addition, the price of a hip CT scan in Moscow is determined by the qualifications of the doctor and the type of equipment used. The cost of scanning may increase if the patient is sedated.

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