Finding the right tests…
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Finding the right tests…
X-Ray
A sinogram maps a sinus tract, a blind-ending passage that starts and ends at one opening, usually on the skin, without connecting through to another organ. A radiologist inserts a thin catheter into the tract's opening and injects contrast, then takes x-rays from two angles, anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT), to trace how deep it runs and which direction it takes. Sinograms are used for chronic draining wounds, tracts left after surgery, or sinuses linked to infection such as an abscess that keeps reopening at the skin. The study tells a doctor how far the tract extends and whether it has, in fact, broken through into a deeper structure, which would reclassify it as a fistula.
The images show the sinus tract's depth, direction, and whether it ends blindly or, in some cases, turns out to connect to a deeper structure after all. They also flag any pocket of infection or retained material along the tract's path. This information helps decide whether the tract can be managed with drainage or needs surgical removal.
A sinogram uses the same basic method as a fistulogram, filling a tract with contrast so it shows up on x-ray, but it answers a different question. A sinus tract is defined by having only one opening, usually on the skin, and ending blindly rather than connecting two structures. The study's job is partly to confirm that the tract really does dead-end, since a tract first thought to be a simple sinus can sometimes turn out to communicate with bowel, bone, or another organ once contrast is followed all the way.
A shallow, short sinus is usually managed differently from a deep one that tracks close to bone or an organ. Following the contrast to its endpoint on both AP and lateral views lets the radiologist judge how deep the tract runs and what structures sit near its path.
They're used for chronic wounds that keep draining after surgery, for sinus tracts linked to a retained foreign body or old infection, and for abdominal wall sinuses following abdominal surgery. Confirming whether a tract is a true sinus or has become a fistula changes how a surgeon plans treatment, since a tract that connects to bowel or another organ needs a different repair than one that simply ends in soft tissue.
A sinogram maps a sinus tract, which has one opening and ends blindly. A fistulogram maps a fistula, a tract that connects two structures, such as bowel to skin. The imaging technique is the same; what's different is what the tract turns out to connect to.
Yes, sometimes a tract thought to be a simple sinus is found to connect to bowel or another organ once contrast is followed to its end, which reclassifies it as a fistula.
You may feel mild pressure or discomfort as contrast is injected into the tract. Most people tolerate it without needing sedation.
A tract can run at an angle that's hard to judge from a single view. Front and side images together give a clearer picture of how deep and in what direction the tract travels.
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.
That finding can suggest a bone infection is involved, which changes the treatment plan. Your doctor will interpret this alongside your symptoms and any other imaging.
Ask your doctor or the centre, since instructions can depend on the tract's location and how it's currently draining.
Yes, it can be repeated after treatment to confirm the tract has closed and no longer fills with contrast.