An examination of the bony structures of the shoulder joint — the head of the humerus, the scapula, the joint surfaces and joint space. It is most often ordered after injuries and to clarify X-ray findings.
- Duration5 minutes
- Contrastnot required
- Preparationnone
- Report30–60 minutes
What it shows
- Fractures and cracks of the humerus and scapula around the joint
- Dislocations and subluxations
- Osteoarthritis and other degenerative changes of the joint surfaces
- Calcium deposits in the soft tissues around the joint
- Avascular necrosis of the humeral head
- Tumours of bone and cartilage
- Fluid or blood in the joint
When it is recommended
- Shoulder injury, suspected fracture or dislocation
- Pain, crunching or stiffness when moving the shoulder
- Arthritis, osteoarthritis, shoulder periarthritis
- Joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus
- Planning surgery or joint replacement
- Monitoring treatment results
- Clarifying X-ray findings
Good to know
- MRI is usually more informative for suspected ligament, tendon or muscle injuries.
- CT clearly shows even small calcium deposits that MRI may miss.
- Shoulder pain can come from the neck (cervical spine) — ask your doctor which area should be scanned.
General information about CT — safety, contraindications, contrast and what to expect — is on the CT page.