Standing CT
A standing CT scan is an imaging test that allows you to stand while a machine uses X-rays to create images of the inside of your feet or ankles.
At a glance
- Doctor referral only
- Same Day Availability
- Fixed Price Package
- Health insurance
- Self-Pay Available
What is a standing CT?
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays to take pictures of the inside of your body. Usually, for a CT scan, you’ll lie down on a table that passes through a CT scanner. The machine passes X-rays, and therefore radiation, through your whole body to produce the images.
However, with a standing CT, you’ll remain standing. A standing CT is very quick and uses a very low dose of radiation that only passes X-rays through your feet and ankles. The test can be used for all conditions affecting the feet and ankles, and can highlight arthritis, fractures, and the cause of pain emerging from your tendons and other soft tissues.
For the last 20 years, the only option for taking images of your feet from a standing position was by X-ray, which can only provide 2D images. The standing CT scanner allows 3D images of your feet and ankles to be taken for the very first time.
At Welbeck, our standing CT scanner, housed in our state-of-the-art Imaging & Diagnostics centre, provides the latest and best technology for ankle and foot scanning.
Mr Matthew Solan, a leading foot and ankle surgeon, says, “The standing CT scanner is a huge advance in the diagnosis of foot and ankle problems, as we can now see exactly how your movement and functionality might be affected by your condition. It’s not surprising that foot and ankle specialists are so excited about this scanner.”
More information
A standing CT scan is a minimally invasive and very quick test. It takes between 30 and 60 seconds to produce an image. This means that if you’ve injured your foot or ankle, you won’t need to place weight on it for very long. Exactly how long your scan takes will depend on how many images are needed.
Here’s what will happen during your standing CT scan:
1. You may need to remove all or some of your clothing and/or put on a gown.
2. You’ll be asked to remove all jewellery and metal accessories, such as hair clips, piercings, and watches.
3. Your consultant will help you get into a standing position that allows the CT scanner machine – a large, tube-shaped device with openings at each end – to produce images of your feet and ankles.
4. Your consultant will leave the room or stand behind a screen and use the machine to send the X-rays through your feet and ankles and take an image or multiple images. You won’t feel anything when this happens.
5. You’ll need to keep very still when the images are being taken to make sure they’re clear and not blurred.
6. When your consultant has taken enough images, you can step away from the machine and get dressed.
You’ll be able to go home after your standing CT scan is complete.
During a CT scan, you’re briefly exposed to a low dose of radiation when the X-rays pass through your body to produce the images.
A standing CT scan uses an even lower dose of radiation than a normal CT scan. These low doses have not been found to cause long-term risks to your health. There may be a small heightened risk of developing cancer later in life if you have repeated CT scans.
At Welbeck, we only use CT scans when it’s absolutely necessary and the benefits outweigh any small risks.
If you are, or might be, pregnant, be sure to tell your consultant before booking a standing CT scan. Although the risks are low, they may recommend another type of scan that doesn’t involve radiation.
You don’t usually need to do anything in preparation for a standing CT scan, but your consultant will give you instructions ahead of time if you do.
It can help to wear comfortable, loose clothing that doesn’t have metal zips or fastenings, and remove any jewellery before your appointment.
You shouldn’t need to follow any recovery or instructions after your standing CT scan. You can usually go back to your normal activities immediately afterwards.
Your consultant will let you know how and when your results will be ready and if you’ll need any follow-up appointments.
Please contact our Imaging & Diagnostics centre for pricing information.
At Welbeck, our radiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book a standing CT, you must be referred by either your GP or a foot and ankle specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, CT scans can highlight cancerous and non-cancerous growths and tumours.
Some people are given a contrast agent (dye) injection before their procedure to make the images clearer. Your consultant will tell you if this is necessary in your specific case.
A CT scan uses X-rays to produce images of your body, whereas an MRI scan uses radio waves. CT scans are better for investigating and diagnosing muscle and bone conditions.
No, only your feet and ankles will be enclosed by the standing CT scanner machine.