Anatomy of the forearm (forearm bones)
The forearm is a part of the upper limb and is located between the elbow joint and the wrist. It can be distinguished by two areas, which are the anterior forearm area and the posterior forearm area, while the bony part of this area is made up of:
- Radius bone
- Elbow bone
In the upper part of the forearm is the ulnar fossa, through which structures pass from the arm to the forearm (except for the ulnar nerve running on the other side of the elbow joint).
In the lower part of the forearm is the carpal canal, through which structures from the forearm pass to the hand – the main exception being the radial artery, which passes on the posterior surface of the wrist.
The forearm allows movement, more precisely rotational movements that cause the hand to turn and recur.
Indications for computed tomography examination of the bones of the forearm
Among the most common pathologies of the body area in question are fractures and breaks of the radius and elbow bones. This usually occurs during a sudden trauma resulting, for example, from a fall or a strong impact. It can be accompanied by damage to individual blood vessels and nerves. In addition, CT scans of the forearm can be helpful in evaluating bone degeneration or fatigue fractures. CT scans are also extremely useful in evaluating inserted splints, wires and other implants, and can assess whether a particular implant has become loose or damaged.
Preparation for the examination of the humerus
In the vast majority of cases, a CT scan of the forearm bones does not require the administration of a contrast agent, is quick and completely painless. It is not necessary to be fasting or to have creatinine and eGFR levels determined when performing this test. It is necessary, as for any CT scan and examination with ionizing radiation, to bring a current referral for a CT scan of the forearm (forearm bone).