Calf Scan

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

The calf ultrasound scan can assess:

• Gastrocnemius muscles
• Soleus muscle
• Calf Tendons
• Retrocalcaneal bursa

The calf muscle is made up of two main muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus.

Gastrocnemius: This is the larger of the two calf muscles and is the muscle that is most visible when the calf is flexed. It originates at the back of the femur (thigh bone) and inserts on the heel bone (calcaneus) via the Achilles tendon. It is responsible for plantar flexion of the ankle, which is the movement that raises the heel and toes off the ground, such as when walking on tiptoes.
Soleus: This muscle is located deeper than the gastrocnemius and is smaller in size. It originates at the back of the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones) and also inserts on the heel bone via the Achilles tendon. It is responsible for plantar flexion of the ankle and also helps stabilize the ankle joint when standing on one foot.

Together, the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles work to plantar flex the ankle, which is the action of pointing the toes down.

A calf ultrasound scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the structures inside the calf. It can be used to evaluate the calf muscles and calf tendons. Calf muscular injuries are common in adults, particularly 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;

• Calf or leg injury: Foot ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate injuries such as sprains and tendonitis.
• Calf pain which could be worse whilst walking or running
• Reduced movement
• Calf discomfort
• Calf Inflammation
• Calf 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.

The test is painless, safe, and can be done quickly. Your doctor may require a calf 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 calf and calf muscles. It can provide clinically useful information on a wide range of conditions affecting the calf and lower limbs including the tendons, ligaments, muscles and surrounding soft tissues.