CT Hand

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

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• 1. Clinical Summary

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  Acquisition SummaryClinical Indications

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

  • Hand fracture
  • Scaphoid fracture
  • Metacarpal fracture
  • Foreign body
  • Pre-operative planning

• 2. Patient Prep

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  • Position: Prone with hand extended (superman position) or supine with arm at side
  • 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: 50 mL
  Flow Rate	2 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 radius/ulna through fingertips. Submillimeter. Position hand flat. Bilateral scout for comparison
  • Additional Recons: Scaphoid-specific views. 3D if complex. Document foreign body location

  • No IV unless infection suspected

  Safety First

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

  • Carpal fractures (scaphoid navicular lunate). Metacarpals. Phalanges. CMC joints. Foreign bodies

  • Superman position preferred. Submillimeter for scaphoid

Series AcquisitionPost-Processing

Series Name	Start Location	End Location	Delay	Slice Thickness	Notes
Scout	Distal radius/ulna	Fingertips	N/A	N/A	AP and lateral
CT Hand	Distal radius/ulna	Fingertips	N/A or 60s if contrast	0.625 mm	Submillimeter

Plane	Acquisition	FOV	Thickness/Increment	Kernel	IR Strength	Notes
Axial	Hand	Hand	1 mm/0.75 mm	Bone	N/A	Thin axial
Coronal	Hand	Hand	1 mm/0.75 mm	Bone	N/A	Coronal hand
Sagittal	Hand	Hand	1 mm/0.75 mm	Bone	N/A	Sagittal hand
Oblique sagittal	Hand	Scaphoid	1 mm	Bone	N/A	Scaphoid long axis