Ankle CT

A CT scan is a medical imaging scan that uses X-rays to take high-resolution pictures of the inside of the body. CT stands for computed tomography, and doctors use these scans to diagnose (and rule out) a range of conditions and diseases. They enable medical specialists to view a joint, organ or specific area of the body without having to use surgery or other invasive procedures. 

Images taken from CT scans can be collated to create three-dimensional, cross-sectional images that are used to diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, inflammatory conditions and cancerous or non-cancerous tumours. 

An ankle CT scan helps doctors diagnose the cause of pain, swelling and stability issues in the foot and ankle joint. 

What is an Ankle CT Scan?

The ankle is a type of synovial joint. Synovial joints provide freedom of movement and consist of bones, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels and nerves. 

Three bones meet in the ankle joint - the shin bone (tibia), calf bone (fibula) and ankle bone (talus) - and it connects the foot to the lower leg. At the end of each bone sits a layer of cartilage to make up the synovial membrane, a sac filled with fluid that cushions the bones, preventing friction and allowing full movement of the ankle joint. 

The ankle is a complex joint with many different types of tissue - each time we move our foot, our ankle joint is put into action. However, the ankle can also be prone to injury, and ankle CT scans are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of ankle-related problems. 

Why You Might Need an Ankle CT Scan

If you’ve had an accident that’s caused injury to your ankle, you may experience immediate pain, swelling and bruising to the foot and ankle joint. You may have also heard a popping or snapping sound at the time of the accident. In some cases, you may experience symptoms of an injury some time later and in others, there may be no obvious reason for ankle pain. 

Either way, if you’re experiencing any of the following in your ankle joint, you may benefit from an ankle CT scan for diagnosis and treatment:

• Pain

• Pain spreading to the heel and calf, especially when standing on tiptoes 

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Redness and heat (signs of inflammation) 

• Stiffness 

• Instability

• Immobility

• Difficulty walking

• Your ankle is sitting in an odd direction 

What an Ankle CT Scan Can Diagnose

The bones and soft tissues of the ankle joint can be susceptible to various conditions, and an ankle CT scan can help in the diagnosis and treatment, either on its own or as part of a range of tests and scans. 

Ligament Injuries

Ligaments are tough, fibrous soft tissues that connect bones to bones, providing stability. Twisting or rolling over on the ankle can stretch the ligaments, causing them to partially or fully tear, leading to pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty walking. A ligament injury is called a sprain. 

Tendon Injuries

Tendons are also tough, fibrous soft tissues, and they connect bones to muscles. In the ankle, they can become partially or fully torn, either through accidentally twisting the ankle or through repetitive movements. A tendon injury is called a strain and is less common in the ankle joint than a ligament sprain. 

Arthritis

Arthritis causes the cartilage that lines and cushions the synovial membrane to wear away, causing the bones to rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness. 

Cartilage Damage

The cartilage in the ankle joint can also be worn away due to repetitive twisting movements of the ankle, such as in sports like tennis or following an injury. This will cause pain, stiffness and swelling that may become worse over time. 

Bone Infections

Infections of the ankle bones are rare but may occur after surgery or injury to the ankle joint or may travel to the ankle in the bloodstream from elsewhere in the body, causing pain and mobility problems. 

Joint Dislocation

A dislocated joint occurs when a bone has been forced out of place through injury or accident. A dislocated ankle will result in immediate and intense pain and potentially leave your ankle at an odd angle, making walking or weight bearing very difficult. 

Gout

Gout is a painful condition caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals. It usually affects the big toe, but it can also affect the ankle joint, causing severe and sudden pain, swelling, redness and problems moving or even lightly touching the ankle. 

Soft Tissue Swelling

The muscles, ligaments and tendons of the ankle may become inflamed and swollen through overuse or injury, leading to a puffy-looking ankle that’s painful to move or bear weight on.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are bony growths caused by an overgrowth of bone tissue. They can develop after injury to the ankle or due to arthritis or repetitive stress. Bone spurs can cause pain and a catching sensation as the extra bone rubs against other bones, especially when jumping, standing on tiptoes or climbing stairs. 

Types of CT Scans

There are various types of ankle CT scans. Which one you have will depend on your symptoms and medical history. 

Standard Ankle CT Scan

Standard CT imaging of the ankle is the most common type of ankle CT scan, and it will follow the procedure outlined in the section below. 

CT With Contrast (IV or Oral Contrast)

Contrast dyes are sometimes used in CT imaging as they help to better highlight abnormalities in the blood vessels and soft tissues. They’re not often used in ankle CT scans, but you may have a contrast dye administered via an IV drip or as a solution that you drink if your doctor thinks you may have a specific injury to the cartilage. 

Weight-Bearing CT Scan

Sometimes, it might be necessary to stand upright on your foot and ankle so that your doctor can view the stability and alignment of the joint when it’s fully weight-bearing. 

3D Reconstruction CT Scan

CT scans are taken in cross-sectional images that can be collated to create three-dimensional images of the entire ankle joint to highlight abnormalities, inflammation or disease. 

CT Arthrography

A CT arthrography scan is a type of CT scan that uses a contrast dye to highlight the cartilage and ligaments. 

High-Resolution CT (HRCT)

A high-resolution ankle CT scan takes highly detailed images of the ankle joint, which is useful in diagnosing bone fractures and arthritis. 

How a CT Scan of the Ankle Works

Computed tomography scans combine computerised technology with X-rays to take detailed images of the bones, soft tissues, organs, nerves and blood vessels. Images taken by a CT scanner are taken in “slices”, that is, in cross-sectional views, that can then be collated to create three-dimensional representations of the body, highlighting disease and abnormalities. 

Equipment Used

A CT scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped machine that moves up and down a medical table. Patients lie flat on the medical table, and as the CT scanner slowly moves, it uses x-rays to take images of the inside of the body. 

Benefits

CT scans are considered safe medical imaging scans, suitable for most people. They’re quick, effective and painless and produce more detailed images than a standard x-ray. As the ankle is such a complicated joint, CT scans are very useful in diagnosing the causes of pain and immobility that can affect the joint. 

They’re also more suited to patients who are unable to tolerate the loud, claustrophobic experience of an MRI scan. 

Risks

The risks associated with having a CT scan are low. It’s uncommon for a contrast dye to be used during an ankle CT scan, but if it is, it’s important to be aware of the side effects some people develop to the dyes used. These side effects can be mild, but they can become more serious. Inform your radiographer immediately if you begin to feel flushed, breathless or weak, you begin to feel excessively sweaty, or you feel at all unwell. 

Also, as CT scans use X-rays, you’ll be exposed to low-dose radiation each time you have one. For this reason, they’re only performed on pregnant people, babies and young children if necessary. Radiation exposure may mean you have an increased risk of developing certain cancers later in life. However, this risk is very low and is usually outweighed by the benefits of having a diagnosis and treatment for a condition after having a CT scan. Your medical team will discuss these risks with you before your ankle CT scan appointment. 

How to Prepare for an Ankle CT Scan

An ankle CT scan requires very little preparation. You can eat, drink and take your regular medications as normal unless otherwise advised by your doctor. 

The Procedure Explained: What to Expect

CT imaging is carried out in the radiology department of your hospital or clinic by a radiographer. Clinics vary, but the standard procedure for an ankle CT scan follows a set routine such as this:

Removal of Metal Items

Metal objects interfere with the x-ray technology used during CT imaging and will affect the quality of the final images. Therefore, all clothing must be removed in case it contains metal, and you will be given a hospital gown to change into. All jewellery, watches, mobile phones, cash and bank cards must also be left in a secure place outside the CT scanning room. 

Positioning on the CT Table

Your radiographer will help you into the correct position on the CT scanning table and will ask you to remain still. 

Immobilisation of Ankle

Your ankle may be moved into a certain position that feels painful, depending on your injury. Your radiographer will be aware of your difficulty in moving your ankle and may provide pain relief. Ankle CT scans are a relatively quick imaging procedure. 

Contrast Dye (if required)

If you’re having a contrast dye ankle CT scan, it will be administered at the beginning of your appointment. 

Scanning Procedure

Once you’re in position, your radiographer will move behind a lead-lined screen or to a different room to avoid repeated radiation exposure. They will control the CT scanner remotely, and you’ll be able to communicate with them throughout. They will take multiple CT images of your ankle, foot and lower leg. 

Radiologist Review and Report

When the ankle CT scan is complete, the images will be collated and sent to a medical professional called a radiologist, who will review them for any abnormalities. They will then produce a report that will be sent to your referring doctor and any treatment specialists, such as orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists.

What Happens After an Ankle CT Scan?

You’ll be free to return home after your CT scan. If you’re unable to walk freely, you may be given crutches and a boot to stabilise your ankle before any treatment or surgery can be discussed with you. 

If a contrast dye has been used, you will be asked to remain in the clinic for 30 minutes to ensure you’re not developing symptoms of an allergy. 

Getting the Results

If you had an emergency ankle CT scan after an accident, you may receive your results the same day. Otherwise, it may take a few days or weeks before your medical team has reviewed the images before contacting you to discuss your diagnosis and treatment. 

Costs

In the UK, a private ankle CT scan starts at around £350. If you need a contrast dye or further areas scanned, it will cost more, depending on the clinic. Treatment, including surgery and physiotherapy, will also cost extra. 

Get an Ankle CT Scan

Ankle pain can prevent you from living your life and can get in the way of exercise, taking part in the sports you enjoy and working. Having an ankle CT scan will help you get a diagnosis of what’s causing your pain and enable you to start treatment. Book a private ankle CT scan using our simple, UK-wide online booking system. 

FAQs

What Does an Ankle CT Scan Show?

An ankle CT scan will show the bones, muscles and blood vessels of the ankle joint and foot and highlight any fractures, inflammation or abnormalities that may be causing your pain and instability. 

How Long Does an Ankle CT Scan Take?

CT imaging of the ankle takes 10 to 15 minutes, but the entire appointment may take up to an hour, especially if you have a contrast dye. 

References

Website, N. (2024e, December 3). Ankle pain. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-pain/ankle-pain/

Professional, C. C. M. (2025d, March 19). CT (Computed Tomography) scan. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4808-ct-computed-tomography-scan

Professional, C. C. M. (2025c, March 19). Ankle joint. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24909-ankle-joint