CT of the sacrococcygeal region gives slice-by-slice images of the sacrum, coccyx and surrounding tissues. It is most often done after an injury to clarify X-ray findings.
- Duration5 min
- Contrastusually not needed
- Preparationnone
- Report30 min – 1 hour
What it shows
- Fractures and dislocations of the sacrum and coccyx, position of bone fragments
- Haematomas and damage to the surrounding soft tissues
- Tumours of the sacrococcygeal region, their borders and spread
- Bone metastases, for example in prostate cancer
- Developmental anomalies of the sacrum and coccyx
- Condition of the sacroiliac joints
When it is recommended
- Injury to the sacrum or coccyx
- Clarifying X-ray findings
- Suspected tumour or metastases
- Suspected developmental anomalies
Good to know
- A 3D image that can be viewed from any angle can be built if needed.
- For soft-tissue inflammation or a pilonidal sinus, MRI is more informative.
General information about CT — safety, contraindications, contrast and what to expect — is on the CT page.