X-Ray Musculoskeletal Conditions of the Foot and Ankle part 2

Acquired: things that happen after we are born and cause the mechanics of the foot and ankle to alter (may be caused by congenital abnormalities or feet can be normal at birth)

Acquired Musculoskeletal Conditions:

• Osteochondritis/ Osteochondrosis

• Hallux Valgus

• Hallux Rigidus

• Osteoarthritis

• Pes Planus

• Calcaneal Spur

Osteochondritis:

Osteochondritis = “bone cartilage inflammation”

• Sometimes referred to as Osteochondritis Dissecans or Osteochondrosis

• Probably an abnormality of the bone’s vascular supply, but other factors such as acute or chronic trauma may be contributory

• The configuration of the bone is important – curved articular surfaces are at greatest risk

• End result is premature secondary osteoarthritis

Bone Density - factors :

• Blood supply

• Calcium metabolism

• Hormonal effects

Bone Density – descriptive terms:

• Sclerosis – bone denser than normal (whiter on x rays)

• Osteopaenia – bone less dense (blacker on x rays)

• Osteoporosis – histological not radiological diagnosis

Bone Density – blood supply;

• Too much blood – hyperaemia- reduction in bone density (osteopaenia)

• Too little blood – bone density gradually increases

• No blood – very dense bone – the radiological end point of osteochondritis Bone

Osteochondritis in the ankle and foot:

• Talar dome

• Navicular (Kohler’s disease)

• Metatarsal head (