CT Upper Extremity

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

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• 1. Clinical Summary

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  Acquisition SummaryClinical Indications

  Series	Phase	Coverage
  CT Upper Extremity	Contrast (N/A or 60s if contrast delay)	Proximal to injury to Distal to injury

  • Upper extremity fracture
  • Humerus
  • Radius/ulna
  • Forearm
  • Elbow injury

• 2. Patient Prep

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  • Position: Supine with arm positioned
  • 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

  • FOV based on region: shoulder to hand. Submillimeter for fracture detail. Position for comfort and coverage
  • Additional Recons: Document fracture location alignment. Soft tissue windows if contrast

  • No IV unless contrast needed

  Safety First

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

  • Fractures. Alignment. Intra-articular extension. Comminution. Soft tissue injury on contrast

  • Position for patient comfort and diagnostic quality

Series AcquisitionPost-Processing

Series Name	Start Location	End Location	Delay	Slice Thickness	Notes
Scout	Region specific	Extended	N/A	N/A	AP and lateral
CT Upper 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	Upper extremity	Region	1-2 mm/1-2 mm	Bone	N/A	Bone windows
Coronal	Upper extremity	Region	2 mm/2 mm	Bone	N/A	Coronal
Sagittal	Upper extremity	Region	2 mm/2 mm	Bone	N/A	Sagittal
3D surface	Upper extremity	Bones	0.625 mm source	Bone	N/A	3D if complex