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.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026