What Is Foot X-ray Examination?

• Examination done by a radiographer on bones of the foot.
• It’s not painful.
• The foot X-ray examination includes toes, heels and soft tissues of the foot.

How And Where Can I Get This Examination?

• When you visit your doctor, he/she will decide if you require the examination.
• If required, the doctor will make a request for the examination using the Radiology Examination Request Form.
• This examination is available in MoH hospitals and health clinics with diagnostic imaging service.

When Is Foot X-ray Required?

• Foot X-ray examination helps to find the causes and signs of pain, swelling, sprain, or abnormalities of the foot. It can also detect fracture of bones and dislocation of the joints.
• In a foot surgery, foot X-ray will be taken before the surgery for planning the surgery and also after surgery for checking.

Before Foot X-ray Examination

• You are advised not to bring or wear any valuables.
• Children can be accompanied by an adult family member.
• Make sure you are not pregnant or suspected to be pregnant. Please inform the radiographer if you are pregnant or suspected to be pregnant.
• You will be briefed before about the procedure.
• You may need to change into hospital attire.

During Foot X-ray Examination

• Two basic projections normally done are:

– Anteroposterior (AP) – to visualize the foot joints and the front part

– Oblique – to visualize the whole structure of the foot from a different angle

• Usually the examination is done by lying down, sitting or standing.
• Radiation protection device will be provided during examination.
• This examination takes approximately 10 minutes only.
• Additional projections will be done if required.

Picture 1 : Example of how a foot X-ray is done.

Source: http://www.radtechonduty.com/2012/09/ap-oblique-projection-medial-rotation.html

After The Examination

• You will be allowed to leave after the examination.

Picture 2: Example of a normal X-ray of the foot image.

Source: http://orthoanswer.org/foot-ankle/fracture-foot-ankle/investigations.html

Examination Report

• All images produced will be reviewed by radiologist and report will be prepared.
• Examination result will be sent to the doctor seeing you.

References

1. http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/xray_foot.html#
2. http://www.footvitals.com/injuries/foot-xray.html
3. http://www.radtechonduty.com/2012/09/ap-oblique-projection-medial-rotation.html
4. http://orthoanswer.org/foot-ankle/fracture-foot-ankle/investigations.html