Computed tomography in the evaluation of arthritis

The role of computed tomography in rheumatologic imaging is limited primarily to joints that have complex anatomy and those obscured by overlying structures. Computed tomography is useful in the evaluation of sacroiliitis, arthritis of the subtalar joints, talocalcaneal coalition, preoperative assessment of the hip and shoulder, abnormalities of the sternoclavicular joint, chondromalacia patellae, and patellofemoral joint subluxation. Although CT is useful in examining ankle tendons, magnetic resonance imaging is preferred.