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CT Lower Extremity

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    CT Lower Extremity Contrast (N/A or 60s if contrast delay) Proximal to injury to Distal to injury
    • Lower extremity fracture
    • Tibia/fibula
    • Femur
    • Post-operative hardware assessment

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine
    • NPO Status: N/A

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent None typically. Contrast if infection
    Volume If contrast: 100 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

    • FOV based on region: hip to ankle. Submillimeter for fracture. Extended coverage for alignment
    • Additional Recons: Alignment measurements. Hardware position. 3D for surgical planning
    • No IV unless contrast needed

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A or eGFR > 30
    • Allergy: N/A or check allergy
    • Fractures. Alignment. Comminution. Intra-articular extension. Hardware position. Infection on contrast
    • Extended coverage for alignment measurements
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Region specific Extended N/A N/A AP and lateral
CT Lower Extremity Proximal to injury Distal to injury N/A or 60s if contrast 0.625-1 mm Submillimeter
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Lower extremity Region 2 mm/2 mm Bone N/A Bone windows
Coronal Lower extremity Region 2 mm/2 mm Bone N/A Coronal
Sagittal Lower extremity Region 2 mm/2 mm Bone N/A Sagittal
3D surface Lower extremity Bones 0.625 mm source Bone N/A 3D reconstruction