Finding the right tests…
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Finding the right tests…
CT Scan
EXTREMETIES is a broad catalogue entry for a CT scan of an arm or leg - your doctor's prescription specifies exactly which limb and which part, such as the forearm, thigh, or ankle, rather than the test name itself naming one region. It's generally ordered for a suspected fracture that X-ray hasn't fully explained, a tumor or infection in the bone or surrounding soft tissue, or occasionally a vascular concern in the limb. The scan takes X-ray images from multiple angles and reconstructs them into cross-sections of bone and surrounding tissue at whatever site is specified. Because it's a general entry rather than a named body part, confirming the exact site with your doctor beforehand avoids confusion on the day.
This scan images the bone and surrounding tissue of whichever arm or leg region your doctor has specified. It can show a fracture, tumor, infection, or bone healing at that site. Confirm with your doctor or the centre exactly which limb and region has been requested before your visit.
Unlike a scan named for a specific joint or bone, EXTREMETIES covers whichever arm or leg region your doctor's referral specifies - it could be the forearm, thigh, lower leg, or another site. The imaging itself works the same way regardless of the exact location: X-rays from multiple angles are reconstructed into cross-sectional, and sometimes 3D, images of the bone.
- A fracture that X-ray hasn't clearly shown, or one that needs more detail before treatment - A suspected bone tumor or infection - Checking how a previous fracture is healing - Occasionally, a vascular concern in the limb, when your doctor specifies contrast
CT gives detailed bone information but limited soft-tissue detail compared with MRI, so ligament or tendon injuries in a limb are usually better assessed with MRI or ultrasound instead. Ask your doctor which test fits the problem in your arm or leg.
That depends on what your doctor has written on the referral - this is a general catalogue entry, not a scan named for one specific site. Confirm the exact region with your doctor or the centre before your visit.
It's listed as a general limb CT rather than naming the forearm, thigh, or another region up front. The centre also has scans named for specific joints if your prescription already specifies one.
Yes, like all CT, it uses X-rays. The amount depends on the region being scanned and how many images are taken.
Not necessarily - it depends on what your doctor is checking for, particularly if a vascular concern is involved. Ask your doctor or the centre whether contrast applies to your referral.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Not reliably. CT is focused on bone detail, so MRI or ultrasound is usually the better test for ligament or tendon injuries in a limb.
Preparation depends on the region being imaged and whether contrast is used. Ask your doctor or the centre for instructions specific to your appointment.
It's generally a quick scan, though exact timing depends on the region and whether contrast is involved. Ask the centre for an estimate on the day.
It can be, depending on why it's ordered, though doctors are generally cautious about CT radiation in children. Ask your doctor whether an alternative test is more appropriate.