What does an X-ray of the ankle show?

An ankle X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and swelling, or deformity of the ankle joint. It can detect broken bones or a dislocated joint. After a broken bone has been set, an X-ray can help determine whether the bones are in proper alignment and whether they have healed properly.

How do you assess an ankle X-ray?

Trace the mortise

1. trace around the mortise and talar dome.
2. check the joint space is uniform. if one side is widened, look for a fracture.
3. ensure the talar dome surface is smooth. if there is a defect or cortical irregularity, think osteochondral fracture.
4. assess the interosseous ligament.

When do you need an ankle X-ray?

A foot X-ray series is indicated if: There is any pain in the midfoot zone; and, Any one of the following: Bone tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal (for foot injuries), OR Bone tenderness at the navicular bone (for foot injuries), OR An inability to bear weight both immediately and in the emergency …

Does ankle X-ray show foot?

# 1 – X-rays = All of us have had x-rays on some body part, but many of my tennis playing patients have been misinformed as to what information can be gained from an X-ray of an injured foot or ankle. X-rays do NOT show tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage or blood vessels.

Do Xrays show tendon damage?

An X-ray won’t show subtle bone injuries, soft tissue injuries or inflammation. However, even if your doctor suspects a soft tissue injury like a tendon tear, an X-ray might be ordered to rule out a fracture.

Can an xray show arthritis in the ankle?

Imaging Studies Ankle arthritis can be diagnosed on plain ankle x-rays (Figure 1). X-rays performed with the patient weight bearing will demonstrate: Loss of joint space. This correlates with the loss of joint cartilage.

What are the symptoms of a broken ankle?

If you have a broken ankle, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:

• Immediate, throbbing pain.
• Swelling.
• Bruising.
• Tenderness.
• Deformity.
• Difficulty or pain with walking or bearing weight.

What is mortise in ankle?

The ankle joint is formed by three bones; the tibia and fibula of the leg, and the talus of the foot: The tibia and fibula are bound together by strong tibiofibular ligaments. Together, they form a bracket shaped socket, covered in hyaline cartilage. This socket is known as a mortise.

What are the signs of a broken ankle?

How do you know if you tore a ligament in your ankle?

The first signs of a ligament tear are severe swelling and bruising. In a low ankle sprain, the bruise can track into the foot and the toes. A large swelling can appear on the outer side of your ankle. You will often no longer be able to put your full weight on the foot because of the pain.

How do you tell if a tendon is torn?

An injury that is associated with the following signs or symptoms may be a tendon rupture:

1. A snap or pop you hear or feel.
2. Severe pain.
3. Rapid or immediate bruising.
4. Marked weakness.
5. Inability to use the affected arm or leg.
6. Inability to move the area involved.
7. Inability to bear weight.
8. Deformity of the area.