The New York State Workers Compensation Board has formulated guidelines to aid physicians, podiatrists, and healthcare professionals in delivering suitable treatment related to Computerized Tomography.
These guidelines serve as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals when determining the most appropriate level of care for patients withComputerized Tomography for Elbow
It’s important to note that these guidelines are not intended to replace the need for clinical judgment or professional expertise. The final decision regarding patient care should be a collaborative one made by the patient and their healthcare provider.
Computerized Tomography
Even though MRI is top-notch for detecting soft tissue issues, computerized tomography remains a vital imaging tool, particularly when it comes to examining bone structure. When it’s essential to get a detailed look at the bones in the elbow joint, CT can come in handy.
For cases involving severe dislocations or repeated dislocations related to arthroplasty, CT can be valuable in assessing AVN (avascular necrosis). Individuals who can’t go through an MRI, often due to contraindications like having implanted metallic-ferrous equipment, might find a CT scan beneficial.
Routine CT for Evaluating Acute, Subacute, Chronic Elbow Pain
It’s not advisable to use routine CT scans to figure out if elbow pain is acute, subacute, or chronic.
CT for Evaluating Patients with Osteonecrosis (AVN)
CT scans are recommended for evaluating patients with osteonecrosis (AVN). This is particularly useful in cases of osteonecrosis following severe or repeated dislocations due to arthroplasty, or for patients who need advanced imaging but are unable to undergo an MRI.
Indications for such CT scans include patients with elbow osteonecrosis exhibiting elevated polyostotic bone metabolism and suspected subchondral fracture(s). This recommendation is especially applicable when there is a contraindication for MRI, which is typically the preferred imaging method.
Additionally, CT scans are advised for patients with traumatic elbow dislocations, particularly those with fragments of capitular or trochlear fractures.
Helical CT for Select Acute, Subacute, or Chronic Elbow Pain
Helical CT scans are recommended for specific cases of acute, subacute, or chronic elbow pain where enhanced imaging of bone structures is deemed potentially beneficial. This recommendation extends to patients requiring advanced imaging but facing medical conditions that prevent them from undergoing an MRI.
Indications for such scans include individuals with acute, subacute, or chronic elbow discomfort who necessitate advanced imaging of bony structures. This recommendation is particularly relevant for patients who need sophisticated imaging but cannot undergo an MRI, possibly due to factors like implanted hardware.
The rationale for these recommendations lies in the preference for computerized tomography over MRI when advanced imaging of calcified structures is required in the elbow. Helical CT is considered more effective than MRI in evaluating subchondral fractures, although conclusive research supporting this claim is not yet documented.
What our office can do if you have workers compensation injury
We’ve got the know-how to assist you with your workers’ compensation injuries. We get the challenges you’re facing and are committed to addressing your medical needs while sticking to the guidelines laid out by the New York State Workers Compensation Board.
Recognizing the significance of your workers’ compensation cases, let us be your guide through the complexities of interacting with the workers’ compensation insurance company and your employer.
We understand that this is a tough period for you and your family. If you’re interested in setting up an appointment, reach out to us, and we’ll go the extra mile to make the process as easy and stress-free for you as possible.
