CT ANKLE JOINT

Overview

What to Expect Locally at Cadabams

• Quiet, sanitized scan suites in your area
• Friendly technicians who explain every step
• Digital reports emailed to you and your doctor within hours

Who Should Consider This Scan

• Weekend sports enthusiasts with lingering pain
• Diabetics with slow-healing foot ulcers
• Anyone preparing for ankle surgery or a second opinion

What is a CT Scan of the Foot and Ankle?

Definition and Technology

A CT ankle joint exam uses a rotating X-ray tube and detectors to capture thin “slices” of your foot and ankle. The computer stacks these slices into detailed 2-D and 3-D images.
### Normal vs Abnormal Imaging
| Normal Findings | Abnormal Red Flags |
|-----------------|--------------------|
| Smooth bone edges | Hairline fractures |
| Even joint spaces | Bone spurs or erosion |
| Clear tendon outline | Fluid collections |

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Scan of the Foot and Ankle?

Common Symptoms Indicating the Need

• Sharp pain when stepping off a curb
• Swelling that ice can’t tame
• Clicking or locking in the ankle joint

Age Groups and Risk Factors

• Kids & Teens: Growth-plate injuries from sports
• Adults 20–50: High-impact trauma or stress fractures
• Seniors: Osteoporosis-related micro-fractures

Radiation Exposure

• Dose equals ~6 months of natural background radiation—very low risk for a single scan.

Contrast Considerations

• Iodine contrast may trigger mild warmth or rare allergy (1 in 100,000).

False Positives

• Old healed fractures can mimic new injuries—our radiologists compare with prior films to avoid confusion.

Types of CT Scan of the Foot and Ankle

Axial Imaging

Cross-section views slice horizontally through the tibia, talus, and calcaneus.
### 3D Reconstruction
Rotatable bone models help surgeons plan screws or plates with millimeter precision.
### Contrast vs Non-Contrast
- Non-contrast: Standard bone check
- Contrast: Highlights soft-tissue infections or tumors

• Bone Density: Detect osteoporosis or subtle cracks
• Joint Alignment: Rule out dislocation or instability
• Soft-Tissue Swelling: Locate tendonitis or ligament tears

### Sports Injuries
Soccer kicks, basketball landings, or trail-running slips can hide hairline fractures.
### Chronic Pain Evaluation
When MRIs are booked out for weeks, a CT ankle joint scan gives rapid clarity.
### Post-Surgical Assessment
Check if plates are holding or if bone grafts are integrating on schedule.

Benefits Of Taking the Test

• High-Resolution Images: 0.625 mm slices catch 30 % more subtle injuries
• Fast Local Appointments: Book online or walk in by 9 a.m.
• Same-Day Reports: Leave with results in hand before lunch

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Ankle Joint

• Fractures and Dislocations: Detected down to 1 mm
• Arthritis: Early joint-space narrowing visible
• Tumors: Both benign cysts and rare cancers
• Tendon Ruptures: Gap size measured for surgery planning

Clothing Guidelines

• Wear loose shorts or we’ll provide a gown.
• Avoid metal buttons or zippers near the ankle.

Fasting Requirements

• No fasting for non-contrast scans.
• For contrast studies, only 2 hours of clear fluids only.

Jewelry Removal

Take off anklets, toe rings, and remove any dermal foot piercings.

Pre-requisites

• Doctor’s Referral: Upload on our website or bring a hard copy.
• Previous Imaging History: Bring old X-rays or MRIs for comparison.
• Allergy Disclosure: Notify us of shellfish or iodine reactions in advance.

Best Time to Take the CT Scan of the Foot and Ankle

Early Morning Slots

Beat the queue—first appointment at 7:30 a.m.
### Post-Injury Window
Within 48–72 hours of trauma before swelling distorts anatomy.
### Pre-Surgical Timing
Schedule 5–7 days before planned surgery to allow report review.

Eligibility

Adults and Pediatrics

Safe for all ages; child-friendly protocols cut dose by 40 %.
### Pregnancy Considerations
We avoid scans in the first trimester unless life-threatening.
### Weight Limits
Our table supports up to 200 kg with open-design comfort.

Procedure for Taking a CT Scan of the Foot and Ankle

1. Check-In at Cadabams Diagnostics – 5-minute paperwork verification.
2. Positioning and Scanning – Lie on your back, foot secured in a soft cradle.
3. Duration and Comfort Measures – Scan takes 5 minutes, blanket and music provided.

Caution Before Taking the Test

• Contrast Allergy Screening: 15-minute questionnaire and optional antihistamine.
• Pregnancy Testing: Rapid urine test for females of child-bearing age if unsure.
• Metal Implants: Notify us about screws—may create streak artifacts we can correct.