Anatomy of the femur
The femur consists of two ends (the distal and proximal epiphysis) and the shaft. The ends of the bone are made up of spongy substance surrounded by a layer of compact substance. The shaft, on the other hand, is a thick layer of compact substance that surrounds the marrow cavity.
Indications for computed tomography examination of the femur
Typically, the pathologies for which a patient comes to the CT scanner are fractures of the neck or shaft of the femur. A fatigue fracture can also be successfully visualized with this type of examination. CT scanning is also extremely useful for evaluating inserted splints, wires or various implants, and allows assessing whether the implant in question has become loose or damaged.
Preparation for the examination of the humerus
In the vast majority of cases, a CT scan of the humerus does not require the administration of a contrast agent, is quick and completely painless. It is not necessary to be fasting or 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 an examination of the shoulder (humerus) on CT.