On-Site Imaging At Perth Podiatric Surgery
Medical imaging is the process of obtaining visual images of different parts of the human body for diagnostic purposes. This process assists in making clinical decisions regarding treatment, ensuring advice is targeted specifically to the cause of foot or ankle pain. A range of different types of imaging are used to diagnose foot conditions, including X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and CT. An overview of each type of imaging is described below
X-ray for foot pain in Perth
- X-ray imaging uses ionising radiation to take a two dimensional image of the foot or ankle
- A single foot X-ray exposes the person to the equivalent radiation of approximately 3 hours of normal background radiation that everyone is exposed to in the environment
- X-rays are most effective for visualising the alignment of bones, disorders of joints and for diagnosing fractures or dislocations
- Perth Podiatric surgery has onsite X-ray imaging available, allowing immediate diagnosis of disorders of the bones of the foot
Ultrasound for foot pain in Perth
- Ultrasound utilises sound waves to visualise structures of the foot and ankle and does not emit ionising radiation, making it a very safe and popular form of imaging
- Ultrasound is best used to visualise disorders of soft tissue structures, such as tendons, ligaments and muscles
- Perth Podiatric surgery has onsite ultrasound imaging, which is quick and safe to perform, providing you with rapid diagnosis of foot and ankle pain caused by injury or disease to soft tissue
MRI for foot pain in Perth
- MRI uses a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of the inside of the foot and ankle and does not use ionising radiation
- MRI is effective at viewing almost all structures of the foot and ankle in detail, including bones, cartilage and joint spaces, tendons and ligaments and cysts and tumours
- You may be referred to a local centre for an MRI if more information is required to diagnose or treat your foot pain following an X-ray and/or ultrasound
CT for foot pain in Perth
- Computed tomography, referred to as CT, uses ionising radiation to take slice images of the foot and ankle which are then able to be condensed into a 3D representation
- The radiation dose of a CT scan is significantly higher than that of an X-ray, therefore your practitioner will thoroughly weigh up the risks and benefits of having the scan performed, and consider alternative scans which may provide the required information before referring you for a CT
- CT imaging is the least common form of imaging used for foot and ankle pain, and it is mainly reserved for pre-operative planning following a complicated fracture or dislocation, or arthritis requiring operative intervention
Onsite imaging (X-ray and ultrasound) is available at Perth Podiatric Surgery, and is performed by our specialist Podiatric Surgeons Dr Andrew Knox and Dr Burke Hugo. To make an appointment call 08 9383 3851 or visit https://www.perthpodiatricsurgery.com/appointments/