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CT Ankle

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    CT Ankle Contrast (N/A or 60s if contrast delay) Distal tib/fib to Hindfoot
    • Ankle fracture
    • Ligament injury
    • Pilon fracture
    • Pre-operative planning
    • Hardware assessment

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine feet first
    • NPO Status: N/A

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent None typically. Contrast if infection/mass
    Volume If contrast: 75 mL
    Flow Rate 2-3 mL/s

    Use full dose if GFR > 30

    If GFR < 30

    Max Contrast = \(2*\left[\frac{\text{Patient Weight}}{75 \text{ kg}} * \text{eGFR}\right]\)

  • 4. Special Notes

    • Include distal tibia/fibula through hindfoot. Submillimeter for 3D. Bilateral scout for positioning. May scan bilateral for comparison
    • Additional Recons: 3D reconstruction for surgical planning. Document fracture fragments
    • No IV unless contrast needed

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A or eGFR > 30
    • Allergy: N/A or check allergy
    • Malleolar fractures. Tibial plafond. Talus. Calcaneus. Syndesmosis. Ligaments on contrast
    • Bilateral scout for symmetry. Submillimeter for 3D
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Bilateral Bilateral ankles Feet N/A N/A AP for positioning
CT Ankle Distal tib/fib Hindfoot N/A or 60s if contrast 0.625 mm Submillimeter
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Ankle Ankle 1 mm/1 mm Bone N/A Bone algorithm
Coronal Ankle Ankle 1.5 mm/1 mm Bone N/A Coronal ankle
Sagittal Ankle Ankle 1.5 mm/1 mm Bone N/A Sagittal ankle
3D surface Ankle Bones 0.625 mm source Bone N/A 3D for complex fractures