Post traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) is a known complication after trauma to the elbow. Bony deposits at joint edges or loose bodies might hamper range of movement (ROM) due to bony collision. Thus, the patient can experience reduced quality of life. Computer Tomography (CT) is an established imaging technique to identify bony structures in OA, that could be surgically removed by either arthroscopic or open arthrolysis. Images reconstructed in 2D (axial/sagittal/coronal) and 3D volume are used pre- and post-surgically to assess the joint. These images represent...

A GE Revolution CT scanner (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, US) with 16 cm detector was used. Scan parameters were 120kV, 30mAs, slice thickness 0.6, collimation 160 mm and rotation time 0,28s. Standard reconstruction algorithm was used. After scanning the study was viewed on the CT work station, selecting the best 2D, 3D and 4D images showing pathology. Figure 1 shows (on the same coronal image) the location of two of the sagittal 4D reconstructions best showing the pathology. The patient was prior to the 4D CT...

4D CT showed a large osteophyte on the medial and posterior aspect of the elbow, respectively near/on the edge of the coronoid process and at the olecranon fossa. The selected dynamic images of the moving elbow joint showed clearly where the bony collision occurred at the medial side of the elbow joint. A few of the possible CT volumes obtainable at the CT workstation is shown. - Figure 3 displays for orientation the conventional 2D CT in sagittal plane. - Figure 4 displays a 4D...

Timing is essential during a 4D scan, since the movement might last several seconds. A dedicated radiographer is mandatory, ensuring that the patient is placed in such a position that the desired joint movement is possible. A scan time of several seconds is necessary, but the radiation dose is not much different for a conventional CT of an elbow. This is since image quality is accepted to be of somewhat lesser quality than on a conventional elbow CT, since the purpose is to identify where...

Johan Castberg Hellund, MD, PhD Oslo University Hospital Department of Radiology and Nuclear medicine, UllevÃ¥l Postboks 4956 Nydalen 0424 Oslo Phone +47 47 84 17 82 e-mail: [email protected]

Using the 320-Multidetector Computed Tomography scanner for four-dimensional functional assessment of the elbow joint. Goh YP, Lau KK. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2012 Feb;41(2):E20-4 Four-dimensional computed tomography scans facilitate preoperative planning in snapping scapula syndrome. Bell SN, Troupis JM, Miller D, Alta TD, Coghlan JA, Wijeratna MD. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015 Apr;24(4):e83-90. The new 4-dimensional computed tomographic scanner allows dynamic visualization and measurement of normal acromioclavicular joint motion in an unloaded and loaded condition. Alta TD, Bell SN, Troupis JM, Coghlan JA,...