CT LEG
Also Known As
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
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About The Test
What to Expect During Your Leg CT Scan
- Warm welcome at the front desk and quick registration
- A short wait in a calm, air-conditioned lounge
- A technologist explains the scan and answers questions
- Actual scanning takes 5–15 minutes; you remain fully clothed unless contrast is used
- Immediate post-scan review to confirm image quality
Why Choose Cadabams Diagnostics for Leg Imaging
- 128-slice CT scanner for sub-millimetre clarity
- Same-day or next-day appointments, including weekends
- On-site radiologists for urgent reads
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Free parking and wheelchair access throughout the facility
2. What Is a Leg CT Scan?
How the Leg CT Scan Works
A CT LEG exam uses a rotating X-ray tube and detectors to capture hundreds of cross-sectional images. Powerful software stitches these slices into detailed 3-D reconstructions, allowing doctors to inspect bones, muscles, fat, and blood vessels layer by layer.
Difference Between CT Scan and CT Angiography of Legs
| Standard CT LEG | CT Angiography Legs |
|---|---|
| Focuses on bones and soft tissues | Highlights arteries and veins |
| No contrast or optional contrast | Requires iodinated contrast |
| Screens fractures, tumours | Detects PAD, DVT, aneurysms |
3. When and Who Needs to Take a Leg CT Scan?
Common Symptoms That Require Leg CT Scan
- Sudden swelling or redness
- Persistent leg pain with no clear cause
- Deformed limb after injury
- Non-healing ulcers on feet or ankles
- Cold, pale foot suggesting poor blood flow
Age Groups and Risk Factors
- Adults 40+ with diabetes or hypertension
- Athletes with recurrent stress injuries
- Smokers or those with high cholesterol
- Post-surgical patients monitoring grafts or hardware
List of Parameters
- Bone density measurements – evaluate osteoporosis or fracture healing
- Soft tissue evaluation – check muscle tears, abscesses, or tumours
- Vascular patency assessment – ensure arteries and veins are open
Why This Test
### Trauma and Injury Assessment
Quickly identifies complex fractures, joint dislocations, and foreign bodies after accidents.
### Chronic Leg Pain Evaluation
Uncovers occult stress fractures, arthritis, or soft-tissue lesions missed on X-rays.
### Pre-Surgical Planning
3-D images guide orthopaedic surgeons in choosing plate sizes, screw angles, or bypass graft length.
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Accurate diagnosis – pinpoints problems early, preventing complications
- Non-invasive procedure – no incisions or anaesthesia needed
- Detailed 3-D imaging – rotate, zoom, and slice images to view every an
Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Leg Scan
- Fractures and bone injuries – simple, compound, or hairline cracks
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots in deep veins
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) – narrowed or blocked leg arteries
- Soft tissue tumours – lipomas, sarcomas, or cysts
Preparing for test
- Fasting – 3–4 hours if IV contrast is planned; clear fluids allowed
- Clothing and accessories – wear metal-free attire or change into hospital gown; remove jewellery
- Medication considerations – continue most meds; hold metformin on the day of contrast scan
11. Pre-requisites
- Doctor's prescription – mandatory for insurance and scheduling
- Medical history review – allergies, kidney disease, pregnancy status
- Kidney function tests – serum creatinine within past 4 weeks if contrast is required
12. Best Time to Take the Leg CT Scan
- Morning appointments – ideal for fasting patients to minimise hunger and delays
- Emergency cases – 24/7 availability for trauma or suspected DVT
- Scheduled follow-up scans – coordinate with orthopaedic clinic visits for convenience
13. Eligibility
- Age criteria – infants to seniors (paediatric protocols available)
- Pregnancy considerations – only if life-saving and after risk-benefit counselling
- Weight limitations – scanner accommodates up to 200 kg; larger patients may need open MRI alternative
14. Procedure for Taking a Leg CT Scan
Check-In Process
- Present ID and prescription at reception
- Complete brief questionnaire on allergies and implants
During the Scan
- Positioning – lie supine on the table; leg immobilised with soft straps
- Duration – 5–15 minutes depending on scan type
- Instructions – hold breath for a few seconds during certain phases
Post-Scan Instructions
- Resume normal diet and activities immediately
- Drink extra water if contrast was given to flush kidneys
- Collect printed films or access digital report via Cadabams Diagnostics patient portal
15. Caution Before Taking the Test
- Contrast allergy screening – disclose any prior reactions to iodine or shellfish
- Pregnancy test requirements – women of child-bearing age (12–50 years) may need a quick urine test
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal scan | No abnormalities detected | Indicates healthy status; no further action typically needed |
| Mild inflammation | Slight tissue swelling seen | Requires clinical follow-up to monitor progression or improvement |
| Fracture | Discontinuity in bone cortex | Indicative of bone injury; further management may include immobilization, surgery, or physical therapy |
| Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) | Clot in deep veins observed | Requires urgent medical attention; anticoagulation therapy often prescribed |
Risks & Limitations
Radiation Exposure Concerns
The effective dose for a CT LEG scan is roughly 2–4 mSv—similar to eight months of natural background radiation. Our low-dose protocols reduce exposure by up to 30 % without sacrificing image quality.
Contrast Dye Side Effects
- Mild warmth or metallic taste (common, harmless)
- Nausea or rash (<1 %)
- Severe allergic reaction (<0.05 %)
Who Should Avoid This Test
- Pregnant women (radiation risk to fetus)
- Patients with severe iodine allergy
- Individuals with eGFR <30 and contrast exam (risk of nephrotoxicity)
5. Types of Leg CT Scan
Standard Leg CT Scan
Captures bones, joints, and surrounding soft tissues. Ideal for trauma and chronic pain.
CT Angiography Legs
Contrast-enhanced scan of arteries from the pelvis to the foot. Detects blockages in peripheral artery disease (PAD).
CT Venography
Maps the deep veins to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and varicose vein sources.
FAQs
Is a CT LEG scan painful?
No. It’s completely painless, though you may feel a brief warm sensation if contrast is used.
How soon can I get results?
Routine scans: within 6 hours. Emergency scans: preliminary report in 30 minutes.
Can I drive home after the scan?
Yes, unless you received sedation, which is rare for leg imaging.
Does insurance cover the test?
Most policies cover medically indicated scans. Cadabams Diagnostics offers cashless approval within 30 minutes.
Why might I need a leg CT scan with contrast?
Contrast material is used to make certain structures "light up" on the scan. It is essential for getting a better view of blood vessels (to check for clots or blockages), evaluating for tumors, and identifying collections of infection (abscesses).
What if I’m claustrophobic?
Our wide-bore scanner and open design reduce anxiety. Music headphones are also provided.