Anatomy of the foot x-ray

An x-ray of the foot is a useful method that can detect the following pathological changes:

X-ray of the foot

X-ray of the foot is a simple, accessible and informative method for studying the condition of bone and cartilage tissue. The examination is recommended in the event of trauma and to detect age-related and degenerative processes in the bone structures. The examination takes no longer than 10 minutes and is completely unproblematic for the patient.

X-ray examination of the foot is a method of studying the condition of the bone-articular apparatus of the limb. The aim of the examination is to determine the causes of pain and discomfort when moving or at rest. A referral for examination is usually issued by a surgeon, traumatologist or orthopedist.

An X-ray examination of the foot can confirm up to 80 % diagnoses of podiatric diseases.

Why is an X-ray examination of the foot prescribed?

An x-ray of the foot is necessary to diagnose injuries or abnormalities in the foot. All structural elements of the foot can be seen on the x-ray, and abnormalities in their position or structure can be detected. The condition of the metatarsal bones, tarsal bones, toes and joints can be clearly seen on the x-ray.

The following abnormalities can be detected with an x-ray:

• foot deformities caused by osteoarthritis, arthritis, or gout;
• valgus deformity of the foot;
• Fractures, dislocations, broken bones, sprains and other injuries to the foot or ankle;
• Osteoporosis, rickets and other diseases that cause softening of cartilage or bone tissue;
• inflammatory processes in bones and cartilage;
• osteoarthritis;
• congenital or acquired flat feet, clubfoot;
• malignant tumors, benign tumors, metastases, bone and soft tissue cysts;
• Reiter's syndrome;
• Purulent processes – cellulitis, panaritis;
• congenital anomalies of bones and cartilage;
• full heel foot;
• heel spur;
• Foot lesions caused by systemic diseases – diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis.

X-rays of the foot may show aseptic necrosis type I, II. The pathologies are manifested by necrosis of the scaphoid, changes in the joints of the metatarsal bones. The examination is recommended in children for the primary diagnosis of congenital lesions.

Indications for a full-length leg x-ray

• preoperative preparation;
• Evaluation of treatment results (comparison before and after treatment);
• skeletal and traumatic diseases;
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other osteoinflammatory lesions;
• Restriction of joint mobility and function;
• prevalence of bone tumors;
• Degenerative and dystrophic diseases of bones and joints.

X-ray examination of the lower limbs does not require any preparation from the patient. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not cause any discomfort.

How is the X-ray examination of the limbs carried out?

The examination of the legs takes an average of 10-15 minutes. Depending on the area to be examined, the patient must lie, stand or sit during the examination. The lab technician will also tell him whether the leg should be flexed or straightened. The laboratory technician will then carefully fix the limb. The patient must not move for a few seconds and then waits for the scan and the description of the examination.

If necessary, the x-ray examination of the lower limbs can also be carried out with the foot bearing weight. In this way, the shape of the foot, which is characteristic of walking, can be better assessed. This type of x-ray shows the foot in relation to pressure, allowing for better visualization of flat feet.

indications

The main indication for a diagnostic x-ray is pain in the foot area. They occur acutely after trauma or persist over a longer period of time. The pain often increases with prolonged walking and when the foot is put under strain, but disappears or disappears completely with rest.

In addition to pain, an x-ray of the foot is recommended if the following symptoms occur.

• instability when walking;
• Visible flattening of the arch of the foot;
• A protruding bunion near the big toe or other deformity;
• Redness, swelling and increase in local skin temperature in the area of the toe joints.

To monitor the progression of the disease and assess the rate of bone healing after a fracture, x-rays may be taken more than once per prescription.

X-rays are often prescribed for children when the pediatrician suspects congenital malformations or developmental disorders of the foot bones. Based on the diagnostic results, the problem can be identified in a timely manner and the best method of correction can be chosen.

This is how the x-ray examination of the foot works

An x-ray and a detailed report from the diagnostician, which also includes a description of the foot condition.

Standard x-rays are taken in the supine position. The knees must be bent and the feet placed on the surface of the table.

The examination takes a few minutes. During this time, the patient must lie still while the X-ray tube moves around the table taking images in various projections. During the examination, the images are immediately displayed on a monitor because the X-ray machine is connected to a computer.

To determine the degree of flat feet, a stress x-ray of the foot is taken. The patient must stand on one foot and remain in this position until the camera takes the image.

After the examination is completed, the patient receives the results in the form of images on film or in digital form on a diskette. The radiologist analyzes the images and prepares a report indicating the type and severity of the lesions found. The results of the foot x-ray examination at the SM Clinic are available within 20-30 minutes.

Are there any contraindications?

As is well known, X-rays are not particularly good for the human body. However, safe doses are used in the study. To protect the rest of your body, you will be given a special lead-lined apron.

However, sometimes X-rays are contraindicated. Fortunately, there are not many contraindications. X-rays are not taken during pregnancy, in very sick patients, in serious injuries, or in severe bleeding.

To monitor healing after an injury, the effectiveness of metal structures used in traumatology and orthopedics, or the success of treatment of a chronic disease, the doctor may recommend repeated x-rays. Yes, frequent x-rays are not good. But they are used carefully in medicine, with patient safety always being the top priority. If your doctor orders a new x-ray of the foot, it means that it is necessary to help you and that the benefits far outweigh the negligible risks.

Make an appointment for an X-ray examination at ProfMedLab Medical Center. The state-of-the-art X-ray diagnostic devices used in our clinic work with a minimal X-ray dose and still provide high-quality images in which many pathological changes can be clearly seen. You can find us near Metro 1905 in the Central Administrative District of Moscow, which you can reach in 3-5 minutes on foot. To make an appointment, please call us +7 (495) 120-08-07.

Lateral x-ray of the foot

The procedure can be performed with or without weight bearing. When taking an X-ray of the foot under weight, the patient stands on one leg - the leg being examined. The doctor can compare the images taken with and without stress. This is of great importance for the diagnosis of diseases such as flat feet and provides information about the structure of the ankle joint.

• gout, osteoarthritis, arthritis and synovitis;
• Heel spurs (osteophytes), flat feet;
• suspected trauma, including fractures, fractures, subluxations, and dislocations;
• Congenital anomalies of bone and joint structures;
• metabolic disorders, secondary diseases;
• degenerative changes.

Alternative examination methods

• Computed tomography of the bones of the foot is a very informative diagnostic method, which is carried out with the patient in the supinated position. However, it is associated with high levels of ionizing radiation and has its limitations, e.g. B. when assessing the degree of flat feet.
• MRI of the foot – allows you to assess the condition of the soft tissues and ligaments of the foot. An indispensable method for diagnosing swelling of the trabecular meshwork that cannot be detected using other examination methods.

Prices for the services You can take a look at the price list or ask for details by phone.

The information on this website should not be used for self-medication and self-diagnosis. In the case of an acute illness, diagnostic tests may only be carried out by a doctor! A visit to the doctor is necessary for correct diagnosis and treatment.

preparation for the examination

The foot examination does not require any special preparation on the part of the patient and is carried out immediately if necessary.

It is standard in the diagnosis of longitudinal and transverse flat feet and is performed while standing. The physiological load is the patient's own weight. All anatomical and pathological structures of the foot are made visible on the images.

When taking an X-ray in lateral projection, the patient stands on one foot, puts pressure on the foot and it takes on the shape characteristic of walking.

Interpretation of the results

The results of the examination are available within 20 minutes. After the examination, the radiologist evaluates the images and writes a detailed report.

Availability of the image in any format (CD-ROM, memory stick, electronically uploaded or printed on film) is important when consulting a VALGO orthopedist.

Types of pathology in x-ray examination of the foot

The foot has an important function in the human body: it provides support, absorbs shocks during active movements and keeps the body in balance. It is characterized by a complex structure consisting of 26 bones and 33 joints connected by muscles and ligaments.

The appearance of pain is a sign of the development of abnormalities in the osteoarticular mechanism:

• Fractures ─ The components of the foot are connected to each other; the destruction of a fragment affects not only the external shape, but also the functionality of the entire limb. The metatarsals, talus, scaphoid, sphenoid, sphenoid, and phalanges of the fingers are most susceptible to fractures.
• Dislocations ─ are associated with joint damage, often in combination with sprains, torn ligaments and fractures. They occur more frequently in the ankle, talar and subtalar joints, as well as in the Schopar, Lisfranc and toe joints.
• Curvature of the foot is caused by a weakening of the muscles, which leads to a flattening of the arch of the foot. A distinction is made between transverse and longitudinal flat feet.
• Osteoarthritis ─ the ankle joint and the first tarsal phalanx are most commonly affected. Poor metabolism and intense exercise lead to early cartilage damage. Blood circulation is impaired and salt deposits occur, which repeatedly lead to inflammation in this area.
• The difference between acquired and congenital strabismus is that the physiological alignment of the navicular bone is incorrect. Visually, this defect consists of an inward curvature of the foot.
• Heel spur (plantar fasciitis) ─ a bony growth that looks like a thorn. It forms on the surface of the sole on the Achilles tendon.
• Aseptic necrosis (osteochondropathy) is a chronic dystrophic joint disease characterized by tissue necrosis. It primarily affects the scaphoid and talar bones (Keller's disease).
• Consequences of common diseases ─ diabetes, gout, rheumatoid arthritis.
• Pathological processes of the ankle joint.

methodology

Two methods are used to x-ray the foot: standard radiography or stress radiography. Whether the first or second method is necessary is decided by the doctor individually, taking into account the physical examination and the patient's complaints.

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Considered the most important method for diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders. The images are recorded in several projections:

• Anteroposterior ─ is performed on both feet at the same time;
• oblique ─ the x-rays are directed at the foot at an angle of 45°⁰;
• dorsal ─ the rays are directed perpendicularly to the surface of the foot, and the patient must tilt the foot back during the procedure;
• lateral ─ the rays are directed perpendicularly to the side of the foot.

No preparation before the examination is required. During the procedure, the area to be examined must be free of clothing and shoes. The organs of the reproductive system are placed on the patient, and for women, protective pads with inserted lead plates are additionally placed over the breasts.

For the direct projection of the foot, the patient lies on his back, bends his legs at the knees and places his feet on the table. The oblique projection is performed lying on the healthy side with the legs bent and a pillow placed between the knees.

The lateral projection is less common because. The picture shows only overlapping tarsal bones. This type is used when a fracture of the tarsal bone is suspected. The injured person is placed on the side of the injury, the leg is bent and the uninjured limb is moved forward.

Depending on the type of injury, several projection procedures may be used simultaneously to make an accurate diagnosis.

With weight bearing

This type of examination is recommended for transverse flatfoot - the standard method is not sufficient to diagnose this condition. The patient has to put weight on one foot and lift the other, that is, the body weight is transferred to the affected foot, and the weight causes abnormal changes.

Clues for diagnosis

X-rays of the foot clearly show the metatarsal, tarsal, and toe bones, the joints, and the spaces between them. The black and white image allows the specialist to assess the anatomical features of the foot and the structure of the hard tissue, detect fractures, dislocations and tumors, and diagnose flat feet. As a rule, an orthopedist/traumatologist refers the patient for an X-ray, but a surgeon, an oncologist, a rheumatologist or an endocrinologist (important for diabetics) may also request the diagnosis.

An X-ray examination of the foot is recommended in these cases:

• Complaints of pain in the foot when walking and at rest
• Lower limb injuries
• Congenital or acquired diseases – clubfoot, fallen arches, flat feet
• Overlapping big toe on right or left foot
• heel spur
• Symptoms that indicate osteoarthritis – swelling, redness of the skin.

In the case of fractures, the X-ray image helps to assess the type of injury, the number and location of fragments, and the dynamics of bone fusion. An X-ray may be required if a purulent process in the bones of the foot is suspected in phlegmon or deep panaritis.

An x-ray is a mandatory examination before treatment of the metatarsal or tarsal bones and to subsequently assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Contraindications to treatment

There are no absolute contraindications to X-rays, but there are some restrictions for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In this case, specialists weigh the possible risks and prescribe diagnostics only if there are strict indications.

Relative contraindications include:

• Restrictions on movement if the person is unable to assume the posture required for the examination
• high doses of X-rays within the last year
• Large-scale wounds and injuries in the foot area.

What diseases the X-ray shows

The radiologist describes the X-ray image in detail and prepares a written report. Based on the results, the attending physician makes an accurate diagnosis or refutes it if no pathological changes are detected. Fractures, breaks, dislocations, subluxations, foci of inflammation and bone abnormalities are clearly visible on the x-rays.

What diseases can be diagnosed during the examination?

• Osteoporosis, rickets
• flat feet
• Valgus deformity of the big toe
• Osteoarthritis and arthritis
• Salt deposits and osteophytes
• Congenital osteosclerosis
• Age-related degenerative changes in the foot.

An x-ray of the foot of a healthy person should not show any abnormalities in tissue structure and integrity. When deciphering the results, the doctor pays attention to the contours of the joints and bones - they should be clear, without darkening or deformation.

X-ray examination of the foot in Moscow

Foot x-ray – Radiological examination to assess the condition of the bones of the distal tarsal, metatarsal bones and the joints of the foot formed by these bones. In traumatology, the procedure is used for fractures and fracture dislocations. In orthopedics, the procedure is used for flat feet, club feet, other congenital and acquired foot deformities, as well as degenerative and dystrophic diseases. In oncology, the method is recommended for tumors of the bones of the foot and in abscess surgery if there is suspicion of spread of purulent processes to the bone tissue. The standard examination is performed in two (straight and oblique or straight and lateral) or three (straight, oblique and lateral) projections.

X-ray of both feet under weight (3 projections) (evidence of longitudinal flatfoot for the recruiting office)

X-ray of the small joints, small long and cheek bones (hands, feet, sternum, shoulder blade, collarbone, ribs)

X-ray examination of small joints, small tubular and cancellous bones (hands, feet, sternum, shoulder blade, collarbone, ribs)

X-ray examination of small joints, small tubular and cancellous bones (hands, feet, sternum, scapula, clavicle, ribs)

X-ray examination of small joints, small tubular and cancellous bones (hands, feet, sternum, scapula, clavicle, ribs)

X-ray examination of small joints, small tubular and cancellous bones (hands, feet, sternum, scapula, clavicle, ribs)

X-ray examination of small joints, small tubular and cancellous bones (hands, feet, sternum, scapula, clavicle, ribs)

X-ray examination of small joints, small tubular and cancellous bones (hands, feet, sternum, scapula, clavicle, ribs)

X-ray examination of small joints, small tubular and cancellous bones (hands, feet, sternum, scapula, clavicle, ribs)

X-ray examination of small joints, small tubular and cancellous bones (hands, feet, sternum, scapula, clavicle, ribs)

X-rays of small joints, small long and spongy bones (hands, feet, sternum, shoulder blade, collarbone, ribs)

indications

The main indication for X-rays of the foot in traumatology is fractures of the metatarsal bone. They are used more rarely in the diagnostic search for rarer fractures of the tarsal and metatarsal dislocations. In orthopedics, the indication for the diagnosis is clubfoot, flatfoot, hallux valgus, other acquired and congenital deformities. In oncology and abscess surgery, examination is indicated for suspected tumors, deep forms of foot lesions, foot phlegmon and other purulent processes.

For the x-ray, the patient is placed on his back with his legs bent at the knees. The feet rest on the table top. For an oblique X-ray, the patient is placed on their healthy side. The legs are bent. A pillow is placed between the knees so that the foot is at an angle to the table surface. Lateral x-rays of the foot are performed less often in traumatology and orthopedics, since in this projection the tarsal bones overlap and are poorly visible on x-rays. Lateral projection is used to assess the condition of the arch of the foot or to detect fractures of the metatarsal bones. To perform a lateral projection, the patient lies on the affected side with their legs bent while the healthy leg is brought forward.

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