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CT Arthrogram Shoulder

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    CT Arthrogram Contrast (Immediate post-injection delay) Acromion to Proximal humerus
    • Labral tear
    • Rotator cuff tear
    • Capsular injury
    • Shoulder instability

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine with arm at side
    • NPO Status: N/A
    • Pre-Medication:
      • Intra-articular contrast injection by radiologist

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent Omnipaque 240 or 300 diluted
    Volume 12-15 mL intra-articular
    Flow Rate N/A

    Use full dose if GFR > 30

    If GFR < 30

    Max Contrast = \(2*\left[\frac{\text{Patient Weight}}{75 \text{ kg}} * \text{eGFR}\right]\)

  • 4. Special Notes

    • Post-arthrogram CT. Inject glenohumeral joint. Immediate CT after injection. Thin slices for labrum
    • Additional Recons: Oblique coronal and sagittal. Assess labrum rotator cuff capsule. Document contrast extravasation
    • Radiologist performs injection. Patient to CT immediately after

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A
    • Allergy: Contrast reaction history
    • Labral tears. Rotator cuff tears. Capsular tears. Glenohumeral ligaments. Paralabral cysts
    • Scan immediately after injection. Thin slices for labrum
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Shoulder region Proximal humerus N/A N/A AP
CT Arthrogram Acromion Proximal humerus Immediate post-injection 0.625 mm Submillimeter for labrum
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Arthrogram Shoulder 1 mm/0.75 mm Standard 3 Thin for labral detail
Coronal Arthrogram Shoulder 1.5 mm/1 mm Standard 3 Coronal oblique shoulder
Sagittal Arthrogram Shoulder 1.5 mm/1 mm Standard 3 Sagittal oblique
Abduction ABER Arthrogram Shoulder 1.5 mm Standard 3 ABER position if done