Podiatrists stay on the cutting edge of technology by using a number of diagnostic procedures to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. Let’s a look what diagnostic imaging is used for what condition; MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses large magnet and radio waves to create 3-D images of the foot and ankle. MRI’s are used to look at soft tissues and bones for the following:
- Arthritis.
- Fractures.
- Infections.
- Injuries of the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage.
- Tumors.
X-rays use radiation to look at the bone to determine fractures and the following:
- Evaluate changes in the bones from infections, arthritis, or other bone disease.
- Assess whether a child's bones are growing normally.
- Locate foreign objects (such as pieces of glass or metal) in a wound.
- Determine whether bones are properly set after treating a fracture.
Ultrasounds are not just for determining the sex of a baby. They are used to determine soft tissue problems in the foot and ankle by using sound waves.
- Bursitis.
- Heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.
- Injuries of the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage.
- Morton's neuroma.
- Presence of foreign bodies.
- Soft tissue masses.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome.
- Tendonitis or tears in a tendon.
Citation:
Image by Liz West. (2004). XRay tech. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/calliope/254119847/
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