Ankle Scan

The ankle scan aims to provide a detailed assessment of the significant musculoskeletal structures within the ankle joint using ultrasound. The ankle is a complex joint made of a number of structures including muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. The ankle scan uses ultrasound waves to see inside the ankle and look at these structures. It is a quick and painless test that is completely safe. The results of the ankle scan are discussed with you following the scan.

The ankle ultrasound scan can assess:

• Achilles tendon
• Ankle tendons
• Peroneal tendons
• Extensor tendons
• Flexor tendons
• Anterior joint space
• Ankle and subtalar joints
• Retrocalcaneal bursa
• Major ankle ligaments
• Lateral collateral ligaments (ATFL)

An ankle ultrasound scan is a valuable diagnostic tool that can provide detailed images of the structures inside the ankle joint, allowing healthcare providers to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the ankle.  Ankle injuries are extremely common in adults, particularly among athletes. These injuries can be short-term (acute) or long-term (Chronic). Acute injuries could be caused by sudden traumatic events such as falls or accidents. Chronic injuries are usually due to repetitive microtrauma to the area, however, in some instances may also be a consequence of an acute injury.

You may need to have an elbow ultrasound scan for one or more of the following reasons;

• Ankle injury: the ankle ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate injuries such as sprains and tears.
• Ankle pain
• Ankle swelling
• Pain in the ankle whilst walking
• Reduced ankle stability
• Reduced ankle movement
• Ankle discomfort
• Ankle Inflammation
• Ankle lump
• Post-surgical complications e.g. abscess, oedema
• Check for foreign bodies such as glass or metal particles that may have lodged in the soft tissues.

Our ankle ultrasound can be used to diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting the ankle joint, including:

• Ankle sprains and tears: This is an injury to one or more of the ligaments in the ankle, usually caused by twisting or rolling the ankle. The ultrasound can show swelling, inflammation, and tears in the ligaments.
• Tendinitis: This is inflammation of the tendons in the ankle, usually caused by overuse or injury. The ultrasound can show inflammation and thickening of the tendons, as well as any tears or other abnormalities.
• Bursitis: This is inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac) in the ankle, usually caused by overuse or injury. The ultrasound can show inflammation and fluid buildup in the bursa.
• Arthritis: This is a degenerative condition that can cause pain and stiffness in the ankle joint. The ultrasound can show degeneration of the cartilage and bony changes in the joint.
• Soft tissue masses: Ultrasound can detect any soft tissue masses (such as cysts, tumours or ganglions) in the ankle region.
• Ankle pain
• Achilles swelling
• Ankle injury
• Inflammation and swelling (bursitis or tenosynovitis)
• Tendinopathy, tendinosis or thickening of the tendons
• Traumatic injury
• Fluid in the ankle joint
• Restricted Movement
• Over Use Injury

What can the Achilles scan detect?

An Achilles ultrasound scan can be used to evaluate the Achilles tendon. It can be used to diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting the Achilles, including:

• Achilles tendinitis: This is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendinitis can be caused by overuse, injury, or degeneration. The ultrasound can show inflammation and thickening of the tendon, as well as any tears or other abnormalities.
• Achilles tendinopathy: This is a chronic degeneration of the Achilles tendon, usually caused by overuse or ageing. The ultrasound can show degeneration of the tendon, and loss of the normal structure of the tendon.
• Achilles tendon tear: This is a tear of the Achilles tendon, which can be caused by injury or overuse. The ultrasound can show the tear and the degree of the tear.
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis: This is inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac) located between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. It can be caused by overuse or injury. The ultrasound can show inflammation and fluid buildup in the bursa.
• Stress fractures: This is a small crack in the bone caused by repetitive stress, the ultrasound can show this.
• Soft tissue masses: Ultrasound can detect any soft tissue masses (such as cysts, tumours or ganglions) in the Achilles region.

The test is painless, safe, and can be done quickly. Your doctor may require an ankle ultrasound scan along with other imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to plan the best treatment. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive imaging modality and is widely used for the assessment of the ankle and Achilles tendon. It can provide clinically useful information on a wide range of conditions affecting the ankle including the tendons, ligaments, muscles and surrounding soft tissues.