CT Scan Courses – Foot

CT Scan Courses – Learn how to scan the foot – some of these instructions may vary depending on the equipment you are working on.

CT Scan Courses – Scanning the Foot

CT Scan Courses – Foot CT images are screen shots from the Virtual CT Trainer Software causing some degrading in the image quality.

Foot

Exam Prep:

• When scanning the foot, attach the foot holder and position the patient supine on the table, feet first with the affected leg either extended with the foot vertical as seen in scout image (preferred position) or with the patients leg bent with their foot flat on the table.
• If the foot is vertical with the toes up, place something against the plantar surface of the foot to keep it in a vertical position.
• Move the patient over on the table so their affected side is a close to the center of the table as possible
• The foot is typically done without IV contrast unless a mass is suspected.
• MRI has become the gold standard for the foot but the exam is still occasionally ordered as a CT procedure.

CT Scan Courses – Positioning the Patient:

• Move the patient into the scanner until the positioning light is two to three inches above the ankle joint.
• Adjust the table height until the horizontal light is midway between the anterior and posterior aspect of the heel and toes.
• Turn off the positioning light

CT Scan Courses – Scanning Scout Images:

• When the patient is properly positioned – Press the confirm button
• Prep the scanner (Scan button will be solid or a flashing light – depends on manufacture)
• Scan your AP & Lateral scout images – Some manufacturers will require the patient to move back into the gantry to scan the second scout and some will move the patient back into the scanner as it acquires the second scout.

Adjusting Your Lines or Box to Cover Desired Anatomy:

• Adjust the lines or box to cover the anatomy to be scanned (lines or box depends on CT manufacture).
• When scanning the foot, scan from about two inches above the ankle joint down through the planter surface of the foot.
• When the lines or box are positioned over the desired anatomy, press the confirm button.

Other Foot Position

CT Scan Courses – Scanning the Patient:

• When you have your scan area covering the needed anatomy from about two inches above the ankle joint down through the planter surface of the foot.

Completing the Exam:

• Look through the images for any pathology that may need additional scanning or any possible patient motion and verify that you have covered all of the desired anatomy. Help the patient off of the scanner table.

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Disclaimer: This training does not replace formal hands on CT training, either on the job or academic schooling. Do not perform CT on an actual patient without additional training.

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