ADVANCED FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALISTS, PA
Jay S. Weingarten, DPM, FACFAS, FACFAOM
Podiatric Physician and Surgeon
Board Certified Physician – Treating Pediatrics to Geriatrics
Computed Tomography - CT scan of the Foot
Your doctor may order a computed tomography examination to aid in the
diagnosis and treatment of your foot and ankle problem. Computed
Tomography (CT) imaging, also known as "CAT scanning" (Computed
Axial Tomography), combines the use of a digital computer together with a
rotating x-ray device to create detailed cross sectional images or ""slices"" of
the different parts, particularly bony structures, of the foot and ankle. This test
helps to delineate the structures of your foot and ankle and can give your
doctor 3-D visualization of these structures to aid in your treatment. For many
patients, CT can be performed on an outpatient basis without requiring
admittance to a hospital. CT imaging is commonly ordered for the following
foot pathologies:
 Bone Tumors
 Fractures - acute and stress fractures
 Non-unions or delayed unions
 Infection
 Foreign Bodies
 Degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis
 Angular deformities
 Flat feet
 Cavus feet
 Post-operative monitoring
 Avascular necrosis
During the procedure, you will lie very still on a table. This table passes your
foot and ankle through the x-ray machine, which is shaped like a doughnut
with a large hole. The machine, which is linked to a computer, rotates around
the patient, taking pictures of one thin slice of tissue after another. The length
of the procedure depends on the size of the area to be x-rayed. The computer
then processes images from these x-rays. The final image, called a "computed
tomogram" or "CT slice," is displayed on a cathode-ray tube (CRT), a device
similar to a television picture tube and screen. This image can be recorded
permanently on film or can be stored on magnetic tape or optical disk.
Computed tomography offers some advantages over other x-ray techniques in
diagnosing disease, particularly because it clearly shows the shape and exact
location of soft tissues and bones in any "slice" of the foot and ankle. CT scans
help doctors distinguish between a simple cyst and a solid tumor and any
involvement of the bone. CT scanning is more accurate than conventional x-ray
in determining the stage (extent) of some bone tumors. Information about the
stage of the disease helps the doctor decide how to treat it.
Spiral CT scanners are one of the latest innovations. They use continuous
scanning to generate cross-sectional slices and make a set of 3-dimensional
images. Spiral CT has decreased the time it takes to produce tomographic
pictures.
In preparing for the examination, you can eat and take your normal
medications. The examination will take from 45 minutes to an hour based on
the area being scanned. Patients are encouraged to bring something to read or
do in case there are any delays prior to their CT exam. Patients should wear
comfortable, loose fitting clothing for their CT exam. Some people may be
concerned about the amount of radiation they receive during a CT scan. It is
true that the radiation exposure from a CT scan is slightly higher than from a
regular x-ray. Because of the radiation exposure, pregnant women should not
have a CT exam or any x-ray examination, especially if the woman is in her
first trimester (first of three-3 month periods of pregnancy). Depending on the
condition, there may be other exams available, such as ultrasound, to help
diagnose a medical condition. Pregnant women should always inform their
imaging technologist or radiologist that they are pregnant, or may be
pregnant.
Your physician will discuss the results with you. If you have any further
questions regarding why this test was ordered for you, please ask your
physician.
1233 SE Indian St., Suite 102, Stuart, FL 34997
tel. 772-223-8313, fax 772-223-8675
1106 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 4, Jupiter, FL 33458 tel. 561-744-6683, fax 561-744-7033