Computerized axial tomography (CAT) is a sophisticated and expensive X-ray examination that shows us great detail of bones and, in some cases, adjacent soft tissue that cannot be seen on plain X-ray films alone. While very useful in certain situations to help diagnose particularly otherwise obscure bony pathology, CAT scans have their downside. They are not great at assessing most soft tissue injuries, they generally expose the patient to much more radiation than simple X-rays, and the patient has to be able to tolerate being enclosed in a confined space for a period of time (a challenge for claustrophobic patients). Despite these difficulties, CAT scans have their place and can be very helpful to the diagnostician.