What Is Weight-Bearing CT Used For?

Unlike a scan taken only while you are lying down, this examination can show how the foot, ankle, knee or other joint relates to load. It may help a clinician assess deformity, joint-space relationships, bone surfaces, alignment and the position of small bones. The images are reviewed alongside your symptoms and physical examination; a scan alone does not explain every source of pain.

Tell the imaging team about pregnancy, difficulty standing, recent injury, metalwork or trouble keeping still. Wear comfortable clothing and follow the centre’s instructions about footwear and belongings. During the scan, you may stand in the scanner or place the affected limb under load while the equipment captures detailed images. Remain still and tell the team if loading becomes too uncomfortable. Ask when and how the report will be discussed.

Contact a clinician promptly after an injury if you cannot bear weight, the limb looks deformed, swelling is rapidly increasing, or the foot or hand becomes cold, pale, numb or weak. Seek urgent help for severe pain with marked swelling or a sudden change in circulation. These warning signs need assessment regardless of whether a CT scan has already been arranged.

Ask what joint or alignment question the scan is intended to answer, whether loading is necessary, how the result could change treatment, and when you will receive the report.