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CT measurements: pelvimetry, leg length scanogram

Pelvimetry and scanogram in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

CT pelvimetry and scanogram in Tunis: measurement of the pelvis in late pregnancy or of leg length, with a very low radiation dose.

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What is it?

These examinations are not used to look for a disease but to take precise measurements, with a very low radiation dose. CT pelvimetry measures the dimensions of the mother's pelvis in late pregnancy. It is requested by the obstetrician when it is necessary to check whether the baby can be delivered vaginally, for example with a breech presentation or a particular history. This is the only situation in which a CT scan is deliberately performed during pregnancy: it involves a few images at a very low dose, with a favourable benefit-risk balance, prescribed by the obstetrician. The scanogram (measurement CT) measures the length and alignment of the lower limbs. It is requested for unequal leg length, in children and adults, or before orthopaedic surgery.

When is it indicated?

Late pregnancy: choosing the mode of delivery

Pelvimetry measures the mother's pelvis to help the obstetrician decide between a vaginal delivery and a caesarean section.

Unequal leg length

The scanogram precisely measures the difference in length, to decide on an insole or treatment.

Before orthopaedic surgery

It measures alignment and lengths before a joint replacement or the correction of a deformity.

Preparation

1For pelvimetry: bring the obstetrician's prescription and your pregnancy records

2For the scanogram: tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be

3Remove belts, buckles and metal objects from the pelvis and legs

4No injection, no fasting

Procedure

You remove clothing and metal objects from the area to be examined; a gown may be provided

You lie flat on your back; for the scanogram, your legs are straight and supported

You lie on a table that slides slowly through a wide, open ring: it is not a closed tunnel

A few positioning and measurement images are taken while you keep still for a few seconds

You can leave straight away, with no special instructions

Duration

About 5 to 10 minutes in total

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

Very low radiation dose, reduced to the minimum needed for the measurements

Pelvimetry: performed in late pregnancy on the obstetrician's prescription, the dose received by the baby is very low and the benefit for the delivery justifies the examination

Scanogram: apart from pelvimetry, pregnancy remains a relative contraindication that must be reported

No injection: no risk related to contrast agents

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.