What kind of injuries can be diagnosed with radiology?
May 4, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Fanni Raab
Dear doctor,
My name is Tobias Schlittmaier and I am reaching out to you because I have some questions regarding radiology. Recently, I had an accident while playing football, where I twisted my ankle and now have severe pain in it. I have already been to my primary care doctor, who took an X-ray but could not make a clear diagnosis. He advised me to undergo a radiology examination to further investigate possible injuries.
I am concerned that the pain is not improving and that it could be a serious injury that cannot be properly treated without a precise diagnosis. Therefore, I would like to know from you what kind of injuries can be diagnosed using radiology. For example, can ligament or tendon tears, bone fractures, or other damages in the ankle area be detected? Are there specific procedures or techniques that are particularly informative in making an accurate diagnosis?
I would greatly appreciate your expert opinion and possible suggestions for relieving my symptoms and receiving the proper treatment. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Tobias Schlittmaier
Dear Mr. Schlittmaier,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as a radiologist. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing severe pain in your ankle after your accident while playing football. In such cases, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis in order to initiate the best possible treatment.
In radiology, there are various procedures that can help diagnose injuries in the ankle area. One of the most common imaging studies is the X-ray, which has already been performed by your primary care physician. X-rays can show bone fractures, changes in bone density, and calcifications. However, soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, or cartilage are often not adequately visualized with this method.
For the precise diagnosis of ligament or tendon injuries as well as other soft tissue injuries in the ankle area, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomography) are often used. With the help of an MRI, not only bone structures but also soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage can be detailed represented. This examination is particularly suitable for detecting ligament or tendon tears as well as inflammation or swelling in the ankle. A CT can also provide detailed images of the bone and surrounding structures, and is particularly helpful in complex fractures or bony injuries.
There are various radiological procedures available for the examination of the ankle, which can be used depending on the type of injury and the individual circumstances of the patient. After making an accurate diagnosis, the appropriate treatment can then be initiated, whether conservatively through immobilization and physiotherapy or surgically through an operation.
Therefore, I recommend that you undergo further examination in radiology to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and receive the appropriate therapy. I wish you a speedy recovery and am available for any further questions.
Sincerely,
Fanni Raab
