CT Wrist

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

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• 1. Clinical Summary

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  Acquisition SummaryClinical Indications

  Series	Phase	Coverage
  CT Wrist	Contrast (N/A or immediate if arthrogram delay)	Distal radius/ulna to Mid-carpus

  • Wrist fracture
  • Distal radius fracture
  • Carpal fracture
  • DRUJ
  • Scapholunate ligament

• 2. Patient Prep

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  • Position: Prone with wrist extended (superman) 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: 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 carpus. Submillimeter for carpal detail. Extended for forearm if needed
  • Additional Recons: Scaphoid views. Carpal alignment. 3D if complex fracture

  • No IV unless contrast or arthrogram needed

  Safety First

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

  • Distal radius fractures. Carpal fractures (scaphoid). DRUJ. Carpal alignment. Ligaments on arthrogram

  • Position for comfort. Submillimeter for carpal bones

Series AcquisitionPost-Processing

Series Name	Start Location	End Location	Delay	Slice Thickness	Notes
Scout	Distal forearm	Carpus	N/A	N/A	AP lateral
CT Wrist	Distal radius/ulna	Mid-carpus	N/A or immediate if arthrogram	0.625 mm	Submillimeter

Plane	Acquisition	FOV	Thickness/Increment	Kernel	IR Strength	Notes
Axial	Wrist	Wrist	1 mm/0.75 mm	Bone	N/A	Axial bone
Coronal	Wrist	Wrist	1 mm/0.75 mm	Bone	N/A	Coronal wrist
Sagittal	Wrist	Wrist	1 mm/0.75 mm	Bone	N/A	Sagittal wrist
Oblique sagittal	Wrist	Scaphoid	1 mm	Bone	N/A	Scaphoid long axis