CT for Robotic Shoulder Arthroplasty: Why It Is Done and How It Helps Surgery

What Is CT for Robotic Shoulder Arthroplasty?

CT for Robotic Shoulder Arthroplasty is a pre-operative CT scan performed before robot-assisted or computer-navigated shoulder replacement surgery.

This CT scan provides high-resolution, 3D images of the shoulder joint, especially the glenoid (socket) and humeral head, which are critical for accurate implant placement.

📌 Unlike routine shoulder CT, this scan is specifically optimized for surgical planning and robotic navigation.

---

Why CT Is Required for Robotic Shoulder Arthroplasty

CT scan is done to:

✔ Assess glenoid bone stock
✔ Measure glenoid version and inclination
✔ Detect bone loss or deformity
✔ Plan implant size, angle, and position
✔ Reduce risk of implant loosening or failure
✔ Improve shoulder movement after surgery

📌 In simple words:
CT allows the surgeon to plan the shoulder replacement accurately before surgery.

---

Who Needs CT for Robotic Shoulder Arthroplasty?

This CT scan is advised for patients with:

• Advanced shoulder osteoarthritis

• Rotator cuff arthropathy

• Post-traumatic shoulder arthritis

• Failed previous shoulder surgery

• Planned robotic or navigated shoulder replacement

⚠️ It is not done for routine shoulder pain.

---

CT Shoulder Arthroplasty: How the Scan Is Done

1️⃣ Patient Preparation

• No fasting required

• Remove metallic objects

• Explain importance of staying still

---

2️⃣ Patient Positioning

• Supine position

• Arm in neutral position by the side

• Avoid shoulder rotation

---

3️⃣ Scan Coverage

• From mid-clavicle

• Entire scapula

• Proximal humerus

📌 Complete scapular coverage is critical for accurate glenoid analysis.

---

4️⃣ Scan Technique

• Non-contrast CT

• Thin-slice acquisition

• High-resolution bone imaging

---

Technical Parameters (For Radiology Technologists)

📌 Reconstruction

• Bone algorithm

• Sharp kernel

📌 FOV

• Focused to shoulder joint

📌 Export Format

• DICOM compatible with robotic planning software

---

Role of the Radiologist

• Protocol supervision

• Radiation dose optimization

• Detection of occult fractures or tumors

• Evaluation of glenoid morphology

• Image quality approval for surgical planning

---

Advantages of CT for Robotic Shoulder Arthroplasty

✔ Precise implant positioning
✔ Reduced surgical errors
✔ Better joint stability
✔ Improved post-operative function
✔ Long-term implant survival

---

Conclusion

CT for Robotic Shoulder Arthroplasty plays a vital role in modern shoulder replacement surgery.
It allows surgeons to plan and execute surgery with high precision, improving safety and patient outcomes.

For radiology professionals, correct protocol execution and image quality are essential to ensure successful robotic navigation.

CT Robotic Spine (Navigation CT): Complete Guide

 

What Is CT Robotic Spine (Navigation CT)?

CT Robotic Spine, also called Navigation CT, is a special pre-operative CT scan used for computer-assisted and robotic spine surgery.

This CT scan provides high-resolution, 3D images of the spine, which are used by navigation or robotic systems to guide accurate screw placement and surgical planning.

📌 Unlike routine spine CT, this scan is done with navigation-specific protocols to ensure surgical precision.

---

Why CT Robotic Spine Is Done

CT Robotic Spine is performed to:

✔ Plan accurate pedicle screw placement
✔ Reduce risk of nerve injury
✔ Improve surgical accuracy and safety
✔ Help in complex spinal deformities
✔ Reduce revision surgery rates
✔ Enable minimally invasive spine surgery

📌 In simple words:
This CT scan acts as a GPS system for the spine surgeon.

---

Who Needs CT Robotic Spine Scan?

CT Robotic Spine is advised for patients undergoing:

• Spinal fusion surgery

• Degenerative spine disease

• Scoliosis and kyphosis

• Spinal trauma

• Spondylolisthesis

• Revision spine surgery

⚠️ It is not done for routine back pain.

---

CT Robotic Spine Procedure (How the Scan Is Done)

1️⃣ Patient Preparation

• No fasting required

• Remove metal objects

• Explain importance of staying still

---

2️⃣ Patient Positioning

• Supine position

• Neutral spinal alignment

• Immobilization if required

📌 Proper positioning is essential for navigation accuracy.

---

3️⃣ Scan Coverage

• Only the planned surgical levels

• One vertebra above and below the surgical site

---

4️⃣ Scan Technique

• Non-contrast CT

• Thin slices

• High-resolution bone imaging

---

Technical Parameters (For Radiology Technologists)

📌 Reconstruction

• Bone algorithm

• Sharp kernel

📌 FOV

• Focused, not oversized

📌 Export

• DICOM format compatible with navigation system

---

Common Robotic Spine Systems Using CT Navigation

• Mazor Robotics

• ROSA Spine

• ExcelsiusGPS

• O-arm + Navigation

📌 CT data is integrated with these systems.

---

Is Radiation Dose High in Navigation CT?

No.
Navigation CT follows dose optimization protocols.

📌 Accurate surgery reduces repeat surgeries, which overall benefits the patient.

---

Role of the Radiologist in CT Robotic Spine

• Protocol approval

• Radiation safety

• Detection of fractures, infection, tumors

• Image quality verification

• Communication with spine surgeon

---

Advantages of CT Robotic Spine

✔ High surgical accuracy
✔ Reduced complication rates
✔ Better implant placement
✔ Minimally invasive approach
✔ Faster recovery

---

Conclusion

CT Robotic Spine (Navigation CT) is a cornerstone of modern spine surgery.
It enables surgeons to operate with millimeter precision, improving safety and outcomes.

For radiology professionals, strict adherence to protocol and image quality standards is essential for successful navigation-guided spine surgery.

CT MAKO Knee: Why It Is Done and How the Scan Is Performed?

What Is CT MAKO Knee?

CT MAKO Knee is a special pre-operative CT scan done for robot-assisted knee replacement surgery.

MAKO is an advanced robotic-arm assisted surgical system used mainly in:

• Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

• Partial Knee Replacement (PKR / UKA)

The CT scan helps create a 3D digital model of the patient’s knee joint, which allows the orthopedic surgeon to plan the surgery accurately before entering the operation theatre.

---

Why CT MAKO Knee Is Done

CT MAKO Knee is performed to help the surgeon:

✔ Understand exact bone anatomy of femur, tibia & knee joint
✔ Plan implant size, alignment, and positioning
✔ Correct bow-leg (varus) or knock-knee (valgus) deformity
✔ Maintain proper limb alignment from hip to ankle
✔ Reduce chances of implant loosening or early failure
✔ Improve post-operative knee movement and comfort

📌 In simple terms:
CT MAKO Knee allows the surgeon to practice the knee replacement surgery virtually before the actual operation.

---

Who Needs CT MAKO Knee Scan?

CT MAKO Knee is advised for patients planned for:

• Severe knee osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Knee joint deformity

• Failed conservative treatment

• Planned robotic knee replacement surgery

⚠️ This scan is not done for routine knee pain.
It is required only when MAKO robotic surgery is planned.

---

How CT MAKO Knee Scan Is Done (Procedure)

1️⃣ Patient Preparation

• No fasting required

• Remove metal objects

• Explain scan purpose clearly to patient

---

2️⃣ Patient Positioning

• Patient lies supine

• Both legs extended

• Knees in neutral position

• Feet pointing upward (avoid rotation)

Correct positioning is very important for accurate limb alignment.

---

3️⃣ Scan Coverage

CT MAKO Knee is a long-length CT scan covering:

📌 Hip joint (for mechanical axis)
📌 Knee joint (main focus)
📌 Ankle joint (for alignment reference)

This is also called Hip–Knee–Ankle (HKA) CT.

---

4️⃣ Scan Technique

• Non-contrast CT

• Helical scan

• Thin slice acquisition

---

CT MAKO Knee Technical Parameters (For Technologists)

📌 Slice Thickness

• 0.5 mm – 1.25 mm

📌 Reconstruction

• Bone algorithm

• High-resolution kernel

📌 FOV

• Must include hip, knee & ankle

📌 Export

• DICOM format compatible with MAKO planning software

⚠️ Important:
Incorrect coverage or slice thickness may lead to repeat scan, increasing radiation dose.

---

Is CT MAKO Knee Safe?

Yes.
CT MAKO Knee uses a controlled and optimized radiation dose.

📌 The benefit of accurate robotic surgery planning is much greater than the minimal radiation risk.

---

Advantages of CT MAKO Knee

✔ Highly accurate implant placement
✔ Better knee alignment
✔ Reduced surgical errors
✔ Faster recovery
✔ Improved long-term outcome

---

Limitations of CT MAKO Knee

❌ Slight radiation exposure
❌ Higher cost compared to standard knee CT
❌ Not required for non-surgical knee pain

---

Conclusion

CT MAKO Knee is a critical investigation for robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery.
It allows surgeons to plan surgery with millimeter-level accuracy, resulting in better patient satisfaction and long-lasting implants.

For radiology professionals, proper scan protocol and positioning are essential to ensure successful surgical planning.

Machines Suitable for CT Perfusion (CTP), WHICH MACHINE IS SUTABLE FOR CT PERFUSION, Software Required.

✅ Machines Suitable for CT Perfusion (CTP):

• Multi-detector CT (MDCT) scanners with at least 64-slice are recommended (because perfusion needs fast, repeated acquisitions).

• Best suited:

  • 128-slice and above scanners (e.g., 128, 256, 320 slice) → allow whole-brain perfusion coverage.

  • Examples:

    • Siemens SOMATOM Definition, Drive, Force

    • GE Revolution, Discovery CT750 HD

    • Philips Ingenuity, iCT, Incisive

    • Canon (Toshiba) Aquilion ONE → excellent for whole-brain perfusion with 320-detector rows.

✅ Software Required:

• Most CT vendors provide dedicated perfusion analysis packages integrated in their workstation or PACS.

Examples:

• Siemens: syngo.via Neuro Perfusion, syngo Neuro PBV.

• GE Healthcare: BrainWave (CT Perfusion), Advantage Workstation (AW) Perfusion.

• Philips: IntelliSpace Portal – Brain Perfusion.

• Canon (Toshiba): Vitrea or Aquilion ONE perfusion package.

• Third-party software:

  • Oleasphere (Olea Medical)

  • MIM Software Neuro

  • Brainlab Elements

✅ Clinical Tip:

• 64-slice CT → can do perfusion but coverage is limited (usually 4–8 cm of brain).

• 256/320-slice CT → best for whole-brain perfusion, now standard for stroke imaging.

CT MACO Hip Procedure – Step by Step for tech, radiographer

CT MACO Hip Procedure – Step by Step

Patient Preparation

• No fasting required

• Remove metal objects

• Explain scan importance to patient

Scan Coverage

• From iliac crest to below knee joint

• Both hips + knee included (for alignment)

Positioning

• Patient supine

• Legs extended

• Feet in neutral position

• Avoid rotation

Scan Type

• Non-contrast CT

• Thin slices (high resolution)

---

CT MACO Hip: Technical Parameters (For Radiology Technologists)

📌 Scan Type

• Helical CT

• Non-contrast study

📌 Slice Thickness

• 0.5 mm – 1.25 mm (as per vendor protocol)

📌 kVp

• 120 kVp (standard adult)

📌 mAs

• Automated exposure control preferred

📌 Reconstruction

• Bone algorithm

• High-resolution kernel

📌 Field of View (FOV)

• Include pelvis, hip joints & knee joint

📌 Export Format

• DICOM only

• Compatible with MAKO planning software

⚠️ Important for Technologists:
Wrong coverage or wrong slice thickness can lead to repeat scan and surgical planning failure.

---

Is Radiation Risk High in CT MACO Hip?

CT MACO Hip uses controlled radiation dose.
The benefit of accurate surgery planning is much higher than the minimal radiation risk.

📌 ALARA principle is always followed.

---

Advantages of CT MACO Hip

✔ Higher surgical accuracy
✔ Better implant positioning
✔ Faster recovery
✔ Less post-operative pain
✔ Improved long-term outcome

---

Limitations of CT MACO Hip

❌ Not required for all hip patients
❌ Slight radiation exposure
❌ Higher cost compared to normal CT hip

---

Conclusion

CT MACO Hip is a critical investigation for robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery.
It helps surgeons plan surgery with millimeter accuracy, leading to better patient outcomes.

For radiology professionals, correct scanning technique and protocol adherence is essential to avoid repeat scans and ensure surgical success.

CT MACO Hip: Complete Guide. Why CT Scan Is Required for MACO Hip Surgery?

CT MACO Hip: Complete Guide

What Is CT MACO Hip?

CT MACO Hip is a pre-operative CT scan protocol used for robot-assisted total hip replacement surgery.

MACO stands for Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery, an advanced technology mainly used in hip and knee joint replacement.
In this system, a high-resolution CT scan is performed before surgery to create a 3D model of the patient’s hip joint.

This 3D CT data helps the orthopedic surgeon plan the surgery accurately and safely.

---

What Is MACO (MAKO) Technology?

MAKO is a robotic-assisted surgical system developed to improve the precision of joint replacement surgery.

Key Features of MAKO System

• Uses CT-based 3D planning

• Provides real-time intraoperative guidance

• Improves implant positioning accuracy

• Reduces human error

The CT scan plays a very important role, because without CT data, MAKO surgery cannot be planned.

---

Why CT Scan Is Required for MACO Hip Surgery?

CT MACO Hip is done to:

✔ Create a patient-specific 3D hip anatomy
✔ Measure bone quality and orientation
✔ Decide exact implant size and position
✔ Reduce risk of leg length discrepancy
✔ Improve post-surgery mobility and outcome

📌 In simple words:
CT MACO Hip helps the surgeon “practice” the surgery on a computer before actually operating on the patient.

---

Who Needs CT MACO Hip Scan?

CT MACO Hip is advised for patients who are planned for:

• Total Hip Replacement (THR)

• Hip osteoarthritis

• Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Hip joint deformity

• Failed previous hip surgery

⚠️ This scan is not for routine hip pain.
It is done only when robotic joint replacement surgery is planned.

 

Do You Need Fasting Before a CT Scan? When and Why

Many patients feel confused when they are told to do fasting before a CT scan. Not all CT scans require fasting, but in some cases, it is very important.

When Is Fasting Required?

Fasting is usually required when a CT scan with contrast is planned, especially for:

• CT Abdomen

• CT Pelvis

• CT Whole Abdomen

• CT Angiography

In these cases, patients are advised to not eat or drink for 4–6 hours before the scan.

Why Is Fasting Needed?

Fasting helps to:

• Reduce the risk of nausea or vomiting after contrast injection

• Improve image quality by reducing stomach and bowel contents

• Ensure better absorption and distribution of contrast dye

• Lower the chance of complications

When Is Fasting NOT Required?

Fasting is usually not needed for:

• CT Brain

• CT Chest (Plain)

• CT Spine

• CT Bone scans

Important Patient Tips

• You may drink small sips of water, unless told otherwise

• Continue regular medicines unless your doctor advises stopping them

• Diabetic patients should inform the radiology staff in advance

Conclusion

Fasting before a CT scan depends on the type of scan and use of contrast. Always follow your doctor’s or radiology department’s instructions for a safe and accurate CT scan.