Since the person became upright, his daily load on his legs only increased. In addition, many received injuries at least once in their life: sprains, fractures, or dislocations. Ankle bones are one of the most vulnerable places, often subjected to various mechanical damage. A comprehensive examination to prescribe the correct treatment necessarily includes obtaining an x-ray of this joint.
Anatomical structure
The ankle is considered the most sensitive and important mechanism of those that are directly related to the feet. In the structure there are bone, tendon and muscle formations. Confident and painless movement of the feet, the ability to maintain balance and stability of the body position is allowed only with the normal functioning of all elements of the ankle. Full walking, jumping and running are unavailable or very difficult if this joint is damaged. In addition, the bones of this part of the body are responsible for the distribution of weight between two legs.
The anatomy of the ankle includes the internal and external joints, as well as the anterior and posterior sections. The upper border is conditionally located about 7-8 cm above the medial ankle, and the restriction between the joint and foot can be found along the line between the ankles. The anterior section of the ankle is located on the back side, and the back is in the Achilles tendon. In the joint, the fibula, tibia and adrenal gland are combined with the foot bone and the talus.
Indications and contraindications
For the X-ray procedure, there are certain prerequisites that are considered by surgeons, orthopedists and traumatologists. If there is a suspicion of gout, osteophyte, arthritis, arthrosis or flat feet, the patient is given a referral for an appropriate examination. On the other hand, the doctor may prescribe an X-ray of the ankle for other reasons, for example, the presence of a tumor, a degenerative change in the structure of the bone, or suspicion of a crack or fracture.
In some cases, diagnosis may not be recommended. If everything is clear with the indications for an ankle x-ray, then contraindications may not be so obvious at first glance. First of all, you should not be examined too often. The maximum allowed is once for six months. Some people are intolerant of contrast agents, however, this is relevant only in the situation when an x-ray with contrast is performed. Pregnant and lactating mothers should also refrain from carrying out the procedure for this period.
What the study shows
The method of radiography involves obtaining a two-dimensional image of the bone tissue of the inspected area of the body. Structures with high density are clearly visible to the professional, who with their help is able to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment. In this case, soft tissues can also be found on an x-ray of the ankle joint. The latter are dark in contrast to the bones through which the rays practically do not penetrate, and, therefore, the color of the bone structures in the image becomes white.
In the picture, the doctor can detect all pathologies of the joint, as well as determine how damaged the connective tissues were. In this way, a number of dangerous conditions can be prevented, for example, the disposition of bones, which can lead to a complete deprivation of the patient's mobility and loss of functionality of the articulation of bone structures. Sometimes an ankle x-ray is not sufficiently informative. In this situation, doctors prescribe a CT scan of the same joint.
Detectable pathologies
As a rule, an X-ray examination is enough to establish an accurate diagnosis. The signs of various pathologies can be traced due to the characteristic features in the image. A list of possible diagnoses after the procedure is presented below:
- The presence of malignant or benign neoplasms.
- Confirmation of ankle injury suspicion. An x-ray in the desired projection easily fixes fractures, dislocations, subluxations or cracks in the joint. An ankle can also be injured.
- Osteomyelitis. This is called purulent inflammation of the ankle joint.
- Deformation. It can be of various types, usually consists of flat feet or clubfoot. It is divided into congenital or acquired, for example, due to wearing uncomfortable shoes.
- Gout of the ankle. This condition is characterized by the fact that uric acid begins to accumulate in the connective tissue.
- Arthritis or arthrosis in the chronic or acute stages. If these diseases are suspected, it is possible to establish the accuracy of the preliminary diagnosis only when an X-ray of the ankle joint is performed, according to which the degree of injury to the bones and cartilage will be visible.
Deciphering the results
The doctor compares the images with the standards. To complete the picture, it is usually required to consider several projections of the ankle. The list of conclusions that the doctor can make from the pictures is given below in the list:
- The presence of hyperostosis or atrophy. It is determined by the location, size and shape of the joint bones.
- The surface of the bones. Various malignant tumors can destroy solid tissues or lead to their ossification and exfoliation.
- Joint gap. Uneven narrowing is noted in the presence of arthritis or arthrosis in the patient. At the later stages of these diseases, joint space may coalesce, due to which a person will lose the ability to move independently.
- The structure of bone tissue. Two diseases appear here - osteoporosis and osteosclerosis. In the first case, the bone density decreases, and in the second it increases.
In addition, the doctor pays attention to the height and angle of the arch of the foot. Normally, these indicators should be equal to 35 mm and 130 degrees, respectively. The height of the arch of the foot may be slightly less, the indicated value of 35 mm is the maximum allowable. If in the X-ray of the ankle there are deviations from the norm, then we can talk, for example, about longitudinal flat feet.
Additional research
Most often they are required with excessively low information content of the procedure. Among the alternative diagnostic methods, in addition to x-rays, the following types are relevant today:
- ultrasound examination (ultrasound) for a detailed examination of adjacent joint cavities, as well as the detection of accumulated fluid in them;
- computed tomography (CT) scan, which examines bones in the most thorough manner;
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in which all the soft tissues of the area being viewed are clearly visible.
Flatfoot detection
If you suspect this pathology, you need to conduct a special version of the study. In particular, the most relevant is an X-ray of the feet with a load. Differences from the usual variety are in the procedure itself. To obtain a direct and lateral projection of the foot, the patient needs to stand on one leg, that is, press with the whole body weight on the joint in question.
Often this method is resorted to when examining young children and adolescents. If the result is positive, the patient is prescribed to wear special orthopedic shoes. This measure reduces the risk of foot deformation in the future to a minimum. This type of x-ray is one of the most frequently performed procedures, since the presence of flat feet at a certain stage makes it possible not to get into the army on call. According to statistics, about 30-45% of adults have similar problems with the ankle joints.
Ligament Rupture Treatment
Such an injury is very common. It can be caused by getting a blow to the side of the foot, bending the joint when running or walking fast, or accidentally tucking the leg out or in. Symptoms include acute burning pain, swelling, hematoma and impaired mobility. In any case, the doctor after the examination appoints an x-ray to understand what he is dealing with.
Treatment of ankle ligament rupture is most often conservative. Restorative physiotherapy procedures are carried out, a course of tablets is prescribed, as well as wearing bandages and special fastening bandages. In exceptional cases (one in ten patients) surgical intervention is required: foot surgery, drug block or joint puncture.
Conservative methods
In the very first hours, it is best to try to reduce swelling and reduce pain. To do this, you just need to attach something cold to the injury site, for example, an ice bag.
Next, the joint is fixed. This is to prevent a worsening of injury. An ankle bandage helps to fix damaged tissues and restore them to rest as soon as possible. In case of severe injuries, gypsum should be applied to the leg.
Medicines are prescribed by your doctor. In addition, he will recommend a specific individual exercise program. Physiotherapeutic procedures in combination with physical education will help to quickly repair a damaged joint.
The Importance of Radiography
Injuries and pathologies of the ankle are a common phenomenon. Timely diagnosis will make it possible to prevent various complications on the way. With some discomfort, you should immediately contact an orthopedist, surgeon or traumatologist. At the same time, you can bring the already taken X-ray of the ankle to the doctor, because it is unlikely that you can independently decipher the results without a special education. In addition, only a specialist will be able to determine the features of treatment.