Hybrid imaging in the management of complex foot and ankle problems

Abstract

Management of chronic ankle and foot pain remains a challenge given the complex anatomy and function of the foot. Imaging plays a crucial role in the management of these, and the American College of Radiology has published the appropriateness criteria for the use of the available investigating modalities in the management of foot and ankle pathologies. These are broadly classified into anatomical and functional imaging modalities. Recent introduction of SPECT/CT scanners which are capable of combining functional and anatomical images promises an exciting and important development, and this chapter describes our clinical experience with SPECT/CT and discusses its potential applications in the imaging of complex foot and ankle pathologies.