Specific Anatomic RegionAnkle
ApplicationEvaluate suspected fracture
AuthorFishman EK
Reference SourceSpiral Evaluation of the Musculoskeletal System
(in: Spiral CT: Principles, Techniques and Clinical Applications. Fishman, Jeffrey, eds. 1998)
Scanner UsedSiemens Somatom Plus 4
Injection RateN/A
Contrast Volume and TypeN/A
Area ScannedSeveral cm above the talotibial joint through the midfoot
Scan Delay None
Length of Spiral (time)30-40sec
Slice Thickness3mm
Table Speed/PitchUsually 3mm/sec or a pitch of 1
Reconstruction Interval1 or 3mm
3D Technique UsedVolume rendering and MPR
Comment: This technique relies on a single CT acquisition in a plane parallel to the foot with MPR and 3D reconstructions done to provide all views. Another school of thought is to get a second set of images in a direct coronal plane with the foot flat. This is ideal in cases where calcaneal pathology is extensive.