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CT Knee

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    CT Knee Contrast (N/A or 60s if contrast delay) Distal femur to Proximal tib/fib
    • Knee fracture
    • Tibial plateau
    • Patellar fracture
    • Pre-operative planning
    • Hardware evaluation

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine feet first
    • NPO Status: N/A

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent None typically. Contrast if infection/mass
    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

    • Distal femur through proximal tibia/fibula. Submillimeter. Extended FOV for alignment. Bilateral scout
    • Additional Recons: Schatzker classification if tibial plateau. Measure alignment. 3D reconstruction
    • No IV unless contrast indicated

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A or eGFR > 30
    • Allergy: N/A or check allergy
    • Tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker). Femoral condyles. Patella. Fibula. Cruciate ligaments on contrast. Menisci
    • Bilateral scout for alignment assessment
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Bilateral Bilateral knees Extended N/A N/A AP for alignment
CT Knee Distal femur Proximal tib/fib N/A or 60s if contrast 0.625 mm Submillimeter
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Knee Knee 1.5 mm/1 mm Bone N/A Bone algorithm
Coronal Knee Knee 1.5 mm/1 mm Bone N/A Coronal knee
Sagittal Knee Knee 1.5 mm/1 mm Bone N/A Sagittal knee
3D surface Knee Bones 0.625 mm source Bone N/A 3D for surgical planning