CT RIGHT ANKLE JOINT

A Right Ankle Joint CT scan is a form of diagnostic imaging that utilizes X Rays alongside a computer to evaluate the right ankle joint. A CT scan is done in cases where there is a need to investigate the joint for issues like fractures, arthritis, or tendon injuries.  

What is a CT Right Ankle Joint? 

Just like with the other joints in the body, a CT scan of the right ankle joint involves lesion detection and diagnosis using highly focused X Ray beams directed at selected parts of the ankle. For this test, the patient has to recline on a bed that goes into a vertical cylindrical scanner which is shaped like a doughnut. As the patient is moved into the scanner, X Rays are taken at different positions so that each part of the joint is captured. The data is then processed to form images of the joint at different layers. 

Types of CT Right Ankle Joint 

There are two categories a CT scan of the right ankle joint fall into:  

• Non-contrast CT scan. This type does not use contrast dye; instead, it evaluates the bones to find fractures. 
• Contrast CT scan: This specific type of scan uses contrast dye to illuminate structures with soft tissues, for example, tendons and ligaments. 

When performing a CT scan on a patient’s right ankle joint, the following parameters are considered: 

• Alignment of the ankle joint and its positions. 
• The bony parts like tibia, fibula and the talus.  
• The soft parts like tendons, ligaments.  
• Bone or stress fractures or bone bruises.  
• Arthritis or degeneration of the joints. 

A doctor may prescribe a CT scan of the patient’s right ankle joint due to the following symptoms or conditions: 

• Ankle inflammation or pain.  
• A suspected fracture or a stress fracture. 
• Arthritis or inflammation of joints.  
• Tendon or ligament tears.  
• Bone infection or osteomyelitis. 
• Follow up after trauma or surgery on the ankle. 

Who and When Should Take a CT Right Ankle Joint?  

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Right Ankle Joint? 

Here are the observations and conditions that may require doing a CT scan of the right ankle joint: 

• Intense pain or inflammation in the ankle  
• Suspected fracture or stress fracture  
• Joint pain (arthritis)  
• Injury of tendon or ligament  
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)  
• Patients with a history of trauma or surgery in the ankle 

Benefits of Taking the Test

CT scan of the right ankle joint has numerous advantages, such as:  

• Correct identification of ankle joint disorders.  
• Presence of fractures or stress fractures.  
• Evaluation of the soft parts like tendons and ligaments.  
• Progress of arthritis or joint degeneration. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Right Ankle Joint

Here are some other common ankle disorders that may be diagnosed through CT scans of right anker joint are:  

• Sprain and strain or fracture follows. 
• Arthritis and associated joint problems.  
• Injuries to tendons and ligaments.  
• Bone infections or osteomyelitis. 
• Gout and pseudogout. 

To get ready for a CT scan of the right ankle joint, the patient should:  

• Put on loose fitting and comfortable clothes.  
• Take off glasses, jewellery, and any other metallic objects.  
• Do not eat or drink anything four to six hours prior to the scans. 
• Tell the technician about any medical problems and allergies. 

Pre-requisites 

No specific pre-conditions are set for a CT scan of the right ankle joint, but patients are asked to:  

• Refrain from eating four to six hours before the CT scan.  
• Avoid certain drugs, including blood thinners.  
• Notify the technician about any implantable devices like pacemakers. 

Best Time to Take the CT Right Ankle Joint 

Typically, a CT scan of the right ankle joint can be done at any time, although it is best to conduct them a few days after symptoms start. 

Eligibility  

An ankle CT scan is most commonly suggested for patients with suspected ankle joint issues. However, it is not suggested for:  

• Women who are pregnant or lactating.  
• Individuals suffering from specific medical illnesses like: kidney disease.  
• Individuals with pacemakers or other implanted devices. 

Procedure for Taking a CT Right Ankle Joint  

The steps involved in conducting a CT scan of the right ankle joint are listed as follows:  

1. Preparation: The patient is made to lie down on the table and instructed to not move.  
2. Scanning: Step 1 is further divided into: the CT machine taking series of X-ray pictures of the ankle joint from different angles.  
3. Reconstruction: Detailed cross-sectional images are formed by reconstructing X-ray pictures.  
4. Interpretation: The formed images are analyzed by a qualified radiologist or health professional. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients must inform the technician about any medical conditions or allergy that they might have before the test. Also, the patients must ensure that they do not move during the test.