Computed tomography of the pelvis and hip joints
Pelvis and Hip CT Scan in Casablanca
A pelvis and hip CT scan examines the bones of the pelvis (ilium, sacrum, pubis), the acetabulum (the socket that holds the head of the femur) and the upper part of the femurs. It gives very precise images of the bone, which can be reconstructed in three dimensions. It is mainly used to analyze a fracture, prepare for surgery or measure the orientation of the hips. It is most often performed without injection.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, including positioning.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE Revolution
When is this exam needed?
- Fracture of the pelvis or acetabulum, to clarify the fragments before treatment.
- Femoral neck fracture that is uncertain on the X-ray.
- Planning for a hip replacement, or check of a painful hip replacement.
- Hip pain in a young adult, with measurement of the orientation of the acetabulum and femur (impingement, dysplasia).
- Bone lesion of the pelvis found on another exam.
- Monitoring of healing after a fracture or an osteotomy (surgery to correct the bone).
How the exam is done
You lie on your back, feet first into the machine. The radiographer makes sure your pelvis is straight and may hold your feet together, toes turned inward, with a strap or wedges: this position gives a clear view of the femoral necks. Let us know if pain prevents this rotation.
The table moves slowly through the ring for a few seconds. No prolonged breath-hold is usually needed; you simply need to stay perfectly still. If the exam includes a study of the orientation of the femurs, a few additional slices may be taken at the level of the knees. You then get up with the help of the team if you are in pain.
Preparation
- Remove clothing with buttons, rivets or metal fasteners around the pelvis.
- Empty your pockets (phone, keys, coins) before entering the room.
- Tell us if you have a hip replacement or orthopedic hardware (screws, plates): the protocol will be adapted.
- Take your usual painkiller before the exam if lying down is painful.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned. Drink normally.
Contrast injection
A pelvis and hip CT scan is usually done without a contrast agent. An intravenous iodinated contrast injection may be added for certain tumors or infections; to study the inside of the joint, CT arthrography is preferred.
Contraindications and precautions
- Previous reaction to an iodinated contrast agent: tell us when you book; a preparation or another exam may be offered.
- Diabetes treated with metformin, or kidney disease: please tell us. Depending on your kidney function, the radiologist will tell you whether metformin should be paused after the injection. Bring a recent creatinine test if you are asked to.
- Thyroid disease, to be mentioned if an iodinated contrast agent is to be injected.
- Current or possible pregnancy: you must tell us before the exam. A CT scan uses X-rays: it is performed during pregnancy only if it is essential.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after an iodinated contrast injection.
- Pain that prevents you from lying still for a few minutes.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the referring doctor
- Recent X-rays of the pelvis and hips
- Surgical report and implant card if you have a hip replacement
- List of your current medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of the pelvis and hip CT scan depends on the area covered (whole pelvis or hips), on its possible extension to the knees for orientation measurements, and on an iodinated contrast injection that is usually not needed.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why a CT scan when I already have an X-ray?
An X-ray superimposes the bones on a single image, which can hide a subtle fracture or the details of an acetabular fracture. A CT scan separates the structures into slices and allows three-dimensional reconstructions. The surgeon uses it to choose and plan the treatment.
Does my hip replacement interfere with the exam?
Metal creates streaks on the images, called artifacts. Adapted settings can usually reduce them and allow the bone around the implant to be analyzed, for example when loosening is suspected. Tell us about your hip replacement when you book so that the protocol can be adjusted.
What are hip orientation measurements used for?
In some young adults, hip pain is linked to an unusual shape or orientation of the acetabulum or femoral neck. The CT scan measures these angles precisely. These measurements help the orthopedic surgeon discuss a possible treatment.
Can the exam be done right after a fall?
Yes, CT is often used after a fall when the X-ray is uncertain. If you cannot stand up or put weight on your leg, do not force it and go to an emergency department first: the exam will then be done as part of that care.
Pelvis and Hip CT Scan in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of the pelvis and hip CT scan depends on the area covered (whole pelvis or hips), on its possible extension to the knees for orientation measurements, and on an iodinated contrast injection that is usually not needed. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.