Monday May 21 , 2012
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CT Scan - Lower Extremity

Lower Extremity CT - Overview & Technique

A computed tomography (CT) scan of the leg is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the leg.

Lower Extremity CT - Alternative Names and Explanations

CT Lower Extremity (leg) w/o contrast 73700, CT Lower Extremity (leg) with contrast 73701, CT Lower Extremity (leg) with & w/o contrast 73702, CAT scan - leg; Computed axial tomography scan - leg; Computed tomography scan - leg, CT of the lower extremity, lower extremity ct, leg CT, CT of the leg, thigh CT, ankle CT, foot CT

Lower Extremity CT - Benefits

  • Significant trauma when preliminary x-rays do not provide adequate diagnostic information for:
    • Demonstration of the anatomy of fractures and subluxations (CT preferred); or
    • Identification of non-displaced fractures and stress fractures (MRI preferred); or
  • To evaluate fracture in any of the following situations:
    • Confirm an occult fracture, following initial x-rays; or
    • Define the extent of an acute fracture and position fracture fragments; or
    • To assess fracture healing, for callus formation and solid bony union (CT only).

    • CT of the Lower Extremity - Positive Findings

  • General Findings:

  • Evaluate an abscess or infectionEvaluate a mass that is felt during a physical examEvaluate pain or other problems in the foot, ankle, or knee joints (usually when MRI can't be done)Guide a surgeon to the right area during a biopsyIdentify or evaluate a fractureIdentify masses and tumors, including cancer

  • Malignancy

    Suspected bone or soft tissue tumor by preliminary imaging (e.g., bone scan or x-ray) or significant abnormality on physical examination (i.e., palpable mass) (MRI preferred); orFollow up of primary bone tumor; orFollow up of single bone metastasis after treatment

    Evaluation of lesion density and adjacent bone (CT preferred); orDifferentiation between a benign and malignant process (MRI preferred).

    Infectious Process

    For diagnosis of osteomyelitis, abscess or septic arthritis, following initial evaluation with x-rays or bone scan, including evaluation of infectious complications of diabetic foot disease (MRI preferred); orLocation of sequestra in osteomyelitis (MRI preferred).

    Evaluation of Known Diseases or Conditions

    Hemarthrosis documented by arthrocentesis (MRI preferred); orNeuropathic osteodystrophy (e.g., Charcot Joint) when additional information is needed (beyond that provided by x-rays) to direct treatment decisions (e.g., evaluation of infection); orLigament or tendon injuries unresponsive to 4 weeks of conservative treatment* or if physical examination suggests an injury requiring repair or reconstruction (MRI preferred); orFor pre-operative planning or post-operative reassessment of complex or intra-articular fractures.

    Evaluation of Signs or Symptoms

  • Persistent lower extremity pain that is unresponsive to 4 weeks of conservative treatment* and not diagnosed after initial assessment on conventional radiographs; orSuspected osteochondral lesion.

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    CT Lower Extremity - Images

    CT Lower Extremity - References, Links, and Additional Information

     

    Schedule Your Lower Extremity CT Scan Today! 

    • If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

    • If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a CT, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

    • If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful!  Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.