Advanced Extremity CT Imaging at the Hand Center of Louisiana
At the Hand Center of Louisiana, we use advanced diagnostic technology to make the most accurate and informed evaluation of your medical condition. We rely on a suite of tools that offer unique and important diagnostic capabilities. Among them is our In Reach extremity CT scan. This state-of-the-art technology offers a comprehensive 3-D analysis of your bone alignment and joint spacing, providing a complete picture of the health of your hand or upper extremity.
When a traditional X-ray does not provide enough information about your injury, your doctor may order a CT scan. These scans are used in a variety of situations, including the following:
- Diagnosis of hand and upper extremity conditions
- Evaluation of hand and upper extremity conditions
- Pre-operative planning
- Post-operative planning
- Diagnosis of fractures
What is a CT scan?
CT stands for computed tomography. They offer a more accurate and comprehensive representation of your bones and joints than X-rays. X-rays capture 2-dimensional images of your internal anatomy in which body structures overlap. CT scans, on the other hand, capture and combine multiple X-rays to create true 3D representations of your bones and joints, including their size, shape, texture, and density. This information can offer valuable information to your doctor and a radiologist, who can use it to identify any medical problems and determine the best treatments.
What are the benefits of a CT scan?
CT scans offer numerous benefits. They include:
- Identifying when surgery is necessary
- Minimizing the need for exploratory surgery
- Improving early detection and treatment of cancer
- Optimizing treatment and recovery
How is an extremity CT scan taken?
At the Hand Center of Louisiana, we use standing CT technology that enables you to stand or sit during the scan. To undergo the scan, you place your hand, wrist, or elbow on a flat platform that has been pre-positioned in a circular opening. We can adjust the height of the opening to optimize your comfort. When we start the scan, we ask you to remain motionless for approximately 30 seconds, during which the machine rotates around your extremity until the scan is complete.
Image of upper extremity CT scan
How is an extremity CT scan different from a traditional CT scan?
Compared to extremity CT scans, traditional CT scans are more cumbersome and uncomfortable, requiring you to lay flat on a table as it slides into a large CT scanner. This scanner will make several rotations to capture a comprehensive picture of your hand or upper extremity.
Receive Timely Evaluation of Your Condition
Unlike most medical facilities, the Hand Center of Louisiana offers onsite CT scans, eliminating the need for travel or scheduling another appointment. If you are experiencing a hand or upper extremity issue, contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our highly trained physicians. Using our state-of-the-art technology, our experienced practitioners can evaluate your condition to determine the best treatment for you, whether surgical or non-surgical. In addition to our diagnostic capabilities, we also offer onsite physical and occupational therapy, ensuring a seamless, coordinated care experience throughout your treatment and recovery.