CT Elbow

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

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• 1. Clinical Summary

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  Acquisition SummaryClinical Indications

  Series	Phase	Coverage
  CT Elbow	Contrast (N/A or 60s if contrast delay)	Distal humerus to Proximal radius/ulna

  • Elbow fracture
  • Radial head fracture
  • Olecranon fracture
  • Coronoid
  • Terrible triad

• 2. Patient Prep

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  • Position: Supine with elbow extended if possible or positioned for comfort
  • NPO Status: N/A

• 3. IV Contrast & Injection

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  Injection ParametersLab Requirements

  Parameter	Value
  Agent	None typically. Contrast if infection
  Volume	If contrast: 75 mL
  Flow Rate	2-3 mL/s

  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

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  Technologist NotesNursing NotesRadiologist NotesTips & Tricks

  • Distal humerus through proximal radius/ulna. Submillimeter. Position extended if possible. Bilateral for comparison
  • Additional Recons: Document terrible triad if present. Radial head-capitellum alignment. 3D reconstruction

  • No IV unless contrast needed

  Safety First

  • Renal Function: N/A or eGFR > 30
  • Allergy: N/A or check allergy

  • Distal humerus fractures. Radial head. Olecranon. Coronoid. Elbow dislocation. Terrible triad

  • Position extended if possible. Submillimeter for detail

Series AcquisitionPost-Processing

Series Name	Start Location	End Location	Delay	Slice Thickness	Notes
Scout	Distal humerus	Proximal forearm	N/A	N/A	AP lateral
CT Elbow	Distal humerus	Proximal radius/ulna	N/A or 60s if contrast	0.625 mm	Submillimeter

Plane	Acquisition	FOV	Thickness/Increment	Kernel	IR Strength	Notes
Axial	Elbow	Elbow	1.5 mm/1 mm	Bone	N/A	Axial bone
Coronal	Elbow	Elbow	1.5 mm/1 mm	Bone	N/A	Coronal elbow
Sagittal	Elbow	Elbow	1.5 mm/1 mm	Bone	N/A	Sagittal elbow
3D surface	Elbow	Bones	0.625 mm source	Bone	N/A	3D for complex fractures