Computed Tomography (CT)

What is a computed tomography?

Computed tomography is a special X-ray procedure for generating three-dimensional images of different parts of the body.

How does computed tomography work?

An X-ray tube generates a narrow fan-shaped X-ray beam. This penetrates the part of the body to be imaged and is attenuated to different degrees by the structures in its path (e.g. skin, fat, muscle, organs, bones).

Directly opposite the X-ray tube are a large number of sensors (detectors). These receive the weakened signal and process it before sending it to a computer for evaluation. The X-ray tube and the detectors then rotate slightly around the patient and the above process is repeated.

In this way, different views (projections) of the same layer are generated and digitalised by the computer to a greyscale-image. The image can then be viewed and evaluated either on-screen or as an X-ray image.

The superior contrast enables the doctor to distinguish the different tissue types such as bone, muscle or fat, rendering the CT-image more lucid compared to the normal X-ray. A further advantage is that the CT-image is not an overlay image as is a normal X-ray. The CT produces a single-layer image that is not overlaid. With the aid of a computer it is also possible to generate a three-dimensional image.

When is computed tomography used in orthopaedics?

There are basically a great number of reasons for using computed tomography. Computed tomography (CT) is used in orthopaedics on the following occasions:

Computed tomography for skeletal analysis: in diagnosing slipped discs, for osteoporosis and other degenerative changes or fractures, and in diagnosing tumours.
Examining joints with CT augments the in-depth diagnosis of joint-proximal bones; even the joint itself is shown in layers.

Computer-Tomografie

Periradicular therapy (PRT) is a modern process that uses CT for precision treatment of slipped disc and root irritation syndrome.

What happens during the computed tomography?

During the examination the patient lays on a flat CT-table. According to the area to be examined the table then moves slowly through the opening of the apparatus.

During the examination the patient should remain as relaxed and still as possible and follow any breathing instructions given by the staff.

The duration of the examination depends on the questions that need answering and the area to be examined. It lasts about 10 to 30 minutes.

What alternative methods of examination are there?

The alternative in cases of bone disease is the classical X-ray.

Nuclear spin tomography (magnetic resonance tomography, NMR, MRT) is used in diseases involving soft tissues such as organs, muscle, cartilage or brain tissue.

Sonography is a further diagnostic method in the treatment of these diseases. It is simpl to use, economical and capable of providing good and useful overviews of a number of problems.

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