Patients often require imaging for joint-related trauma or pain. After a history and examination, plain radiographs are often the next step in investigating a patient’s musculoskeletal complaints. Patients with possible surgical pathology, such as osteoarthritis, may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon, who often repeats the initial films. because the original films were not ordered weight-bearing. So why weight-bearing X-rays? American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society says avoid non-weightbearing X-ray evaluation of the foot and ankle when patients are able to stand. The functional position of the foot and ankle is one of weightbearing. Foot and ankle deformity may be decreased or absent on non-weightbearing x-rays as compared to weightbearing x-rays. Therefore, foot and ankle disorders including flatfeet, ligamentous injuries of the midfoot, ankle arthritis, bunions, and hammertoes that are well-demonstrated on weightbearing x-rays may be underestimated or not appreciated at all on non-weightbearing x-rays. Therefore, when possible, weightbearing x-rays of the foot and ankle are preferred in order to give the most accurate assessment of the functional bony anatomy of the foot and ankle.
Weight Bearing Stands – which one to choose?
There are a wide variety of weight bearing stands available for your imaging facility. A lot comes down to budget, space, and how far your x-ray tube will go down to the floor in order to capture a weight bearing image of the foot and ankle. Z&Z Medical carries a wide variety to meet a wide array of needs.
- One Step Weight Bearing Holder: This is the most economical one step platform for weight bearing studies on the market.
- Two Step Weight Bearing Holder: This is the most economical two step platform for weight bearing studies on the market.
- Receptor Protector: For AP ONLY weight bearing studies, these protectors protect your imaging receptor and will hold up to 450 lbs.
- U-Arm/C-Arm weight bearing platform: This is a Great platform for AP and Lateral imaging. Will hold up to 750 lbs.
CLICK HERE to view the many one and two step platforms for AP and Lateral Weight Bearing Studies. If you have a question about any of these devices, please reach out to info@zzmedical.com or visit our Live Chat on our website to talk live with a customer service representative.