PRECISION IN PODIATRY: EXPLORING IN-CLINIC X-RAY TECHNOLOGY AT ALIGN FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC

IN THIS BLOG, WE’LL DIVE INTO THE CAPABILITIES OF OUR IN-CLINIC X-RAY TECHNOLOGY, WHICH NOT ONLY AIDS IN DIAGNOSING VARIOUS FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS BUT ALSO PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN DR. HO-ELLSWORTH’S MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERIES FOR BUNIONS & HAMMERTOES.

Introduction 

At Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, our commitment to our patients drives us to deliver the highest standard of podiatric care. In this blog, we’ll delve into the capabilities of our in-clinic X-ray technology, which not only aids in diagnosing various foot and ankle conditions but also plays a crucial role in Dr. Ho-Ellsworth’s minimally invasive surgeries for bunions, hammertoes, and bunionettes. 

Our imaging technology enables precise assessment and treatment planning, ultimately improving our patient outcomes. Here are examples of foot and ankle conditions monitored and diagnosed by fluoroscopy and digital x-rays:

  • Bunions (Hallux Valgus): Misalignment of the big toe joint, resulting in a painful bony bump.
  • Hammertoes: Abnormal bending or contracture of smaller toes, leading to a claw-like appearance.
  • Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in foot bones, often due to overuse or repetitive impact.
  • Ankle Sprains: Ligament injuries in the ankle joint, varying in severity.
  • Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the tissue connecting heel to toes, causing heel pain and sometimes forming a heel spur.
  • Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, connecting calf muscles to the heel bone sometimes associated with a heel spur.
  • Metatarsal Fractures: Fractures in the long foot bones, typically from trauma or stress.
  • Gout: Arthritis with sudden, severe joint pain, often affecting the big toe.
  • Arthritis: Various types affecting foot and ankle joints, causing pain and stiffness.
  • Neuromas: Irritated nerves in the ball of the foot, causing pain and numbness sometimes from metatarsal bone impingement.
  • Lisfranc Injury: Complex midfoot and joint injury, usually due to trauma or twisting.
  • Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Collapsed arches leading to pain and instability.
  • Heel Spurs: Bony outgrowths at the bottom of the heel, often linked to plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis.

Digital X-ray and Fluoroscopy Technology:  

In our office, we have two X-ray technologies:  digital X-rays and fluoroscopy (C-arm). The weight-bearing, digital X-ray offers insights into joint alignment and pressure distribution, aiding precise diagnoses. The fluoroscopy provides real-time internal foot images, enhancing surgical accuracy during minimally invasive procedures like bunion and hammertoe corrections, live movement for better assessment of injuries that can be missed in standard x-rays, and guidance during injections or procedures. These technologies combine to provide accurate diagnostics, tailored treatments for a quicker recovery for our patients. 

The Benefits of In-Office X-ray and Fluoroscopy 

Unlike old films or cassettes used in the past, digital X-ray technology offers several advantages:

  • Instant Results: With digital X-rays, there’s no need to wait for film development. Patients receive immediate, high-quality images, expediting diagnosis and treatment.
  • Enhanced Precision: Digital X-rays provide exceptional clarity and detail, allowing us to visualize even the subtlest foot and ankle abnormalities with unparalleled accuracy.
  • Reduced Radiation Exposure: Digital X-rays emit significantly less radiation compared to traditional film X-rays, prioritizing patient safety.
  • Efficient Record-Keeping: Digital images are easily stored, retrieved, and shared electronically, streamlining collaboration with other healthcare providers if needed.

These digital weight-bearing X-rays complement our fluoroscopy capabilities, offering a comprehensive view of your foot health. Whether you’re seeking diagnosis, treatment planning, or surgery, our commitment to advanced imaging ensures your care is personalized, efficient, and effective. 

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS): Precision Beyond the Surface 

Dr. Ho-Ellsworth specializes in minimally invasive surgery for bunions, hammertoes, and bunionettes. The fluoroscopy technology we employ plays a crucial role in these procedures:

  • Live Visualization: During MIS, fluoroscopy provides real-time X-ray images, allowing Dr. Ho-Ellsworth to see the foot’s internal structure and anatomy, ensuring precise surgical outcomes.
  • Minimally Invasive Approach:  Dr. Ho-Ellsworth’s techniques involve small incisions, reducing tissue disruption and post-operative discomfort. The fluoroscopy assists in guiding instruments through these openings.
  • Surgical Progress Monitoring: The fluoroscopy allows Dr. Ho-Ellsworth to continuously monitor the surgical progress, ensuring the corrections are on track and allowing for timely adjustments when needed.

Conclusion 

Our utilization of in-clinic X-ray technology exemplifies our commitment to providing comprehensive and efficient podiatric care. Whether for diagnosis, treatment planning, or surgery, the convenience of having an X-ray machine readily available translates into more immediate, personalized, and effective footcare solutions for our valued patients. If you’re seeking podiatric care, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth at Align Foot & Ankle Clinic.  

If you have any foot or ankle concerns or recent injuries, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth by visiting our website or calling us at (512) 882-4911. Don’t forget to check out our socials for valuable insights and updates: