X Ray Ankle AP & LAT

An X-ray of the ankle is a safe and painless test to visualise the bones of the ankle and the soft tissues (skin and muscles) surrounding it using small amount of radiation.

Appointment Required: Preferable
Fasting Required: No Need
Reports Available: Same day

Details

The ankle consists of three bones - tibia and fibula (bones of the lower leg), and talus (one of the foot bones) and two joints – ankle joint (where tibia, fibula and talus meet) and syndesmosis joint (joint between tibia and fibula). The image is recorded on a special X-ray film. The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures such as the bones, appear white and softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles appear darker. The actual exposure time to radiation is usually less than a second, although the overall test may take 15-20 minutes.

Appointment Required: Preferable

Uses:

To diagnose any broken/fractured bones of the ankle joint and to monitor the healing of the broken bone, after it has been set.

To diagnose any suspected infection, osteoporosis, deformities or abnormal growth of the bones and arthritis (inflammation of the joints).

· Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiations may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.

· You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.

· Depending on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan.