Diagnosing Lower Extremity Conditions
In orthopedic care, precise imaging is critical. Yet, traditional 2D X-rays often leave both patients and surgeons with more questions than answers—especially when it comes to complex structures like the foot. Flat images can’t fully capture the angles, misalignments, and nuances of bones and joints in motion or under load. For patients experiencing persistent foot, knee, or hip pain, this limitation can delay diagnosis and treatment. It’s a frustrating scenario: recurring symptoms, inconclusive tests, and little forward progress.
Diagnosing accurately means gathering insights from multiple tests—not just relying on one image or method. That’s where weight-bearing CT scans come in, offering a low-dose, 3D solution that reveals what’s really happening inside your body when you’re standing and moving in real life.
The Limits of 2D Imaging for Complex Anatomy
While X-rays are a foundational diagnostic tool, they aren’t always enough. A standard foot X-ray, for example, flattens 26 bones and 33 joints into a single, compressed image. Critical structures like the sesamoids beneath the big toe can be obscured, and the overall alignment of bones may appear normal—until the patient stands and gravity takes effect.
This can result in:
- Misdiagnosis or missed deformities
- Time-consuming additional testing
- Exposure to higher radiation from alternative imaging like full CT scans
Even with experience and a thorough clinical exam, orthopedic specialists at Dovetail Orthopedics know that a static image only tells part of the story.
What Is a Weight-Bearing CT Scan?
Unlike traditional CT scans where the patient lies down, weight-bearing CT (WBCT) allows you to stand naturally during the scan. This functional position replicates how your bones and joints behave in everyday life—whether you’re walking, climbing stairs, or simply standing still.
At Dovetail Orthopedics, we use the Curvebeam weight-bearing CT system, known for its low radiation dose and 3D imaging precision. It’s one of the few systems that allows both feet to be scanned side-by-side, offering a full comparative view.
This matters because:
- Pain often stems from asymmetry or misalignment
- Some deformities only appear under pressure
- Accurate images enable more precise surgical planning
Weight-Bearing CT for Bunion Evaluation and Surgical Planning
One of the most impactful uses of WBCT is in diagnosing and planning surgery for bunions, a common but often misunderstood deformity. Traditional X-rays can miss or misrepresent the alignment of the sesamoid bones under the big toe, which play a crucial role in stability and motion.
With WBCT, Dovetail surgeons can:
- Assess the true alignment of the big toe joint
- Examine the sesamoid position in 3D
- Compare both feet side-by-side
- Plan procedures like Lapiplasty® with more accuracy
This level of detail leads to better surgical outcomes and faster recovery times. Read more about our approach to Lapiplasty® and how we restore natural alignment.
Connecting Foot, Knee, and Hip Pain Through Better Imaging
Joint pain isn’t always isolated. In fact, misalignment in one part of the leg often causes a ripple effect in other areas. WBCT scans reveal how your foot, knee, and hip align—or don’t—when under load.
Studies have even shown correlations between knee osteoarthritis and hindfoot misalignment, suggesting that localized pain might stem from an issue further down the kinetic chain.
With our WBCT system, Dovetail Orthopedics can:
- Diagnose full-leg alignment issues
- See how foot mechanics influence knee or hip pain
- Build customized treatment plans based on full-body mechanics
Want to learn more about how we address complex foot and ankle conditions? Explore our foot and ankle specialist services.
A Smarter, Safer Diagnostic Tool
Beyond its diagnostic accuracy, weight-bearing CT scans offer clear advantages when it comes to patient safety and comfort:
- Low radiation dose—often less than a traditional full-body CT scan
- Quick scan time—reduces patient discomfort
- Non-invasive and repeatable—ideal for monitoring progress over time
At Dovetail Orthopedics, we believe in using the most advanced tools available to improve patient outcomes. That’s why we offer WBCT scans as part of our Rebuild the Injury protocol, helping you move forward with confidence.
Download the Free Brochure: What to Expect from a WBCT Scan
If you’re dealing with recurring foot, knee, or hip pain and haven’t found answers through traditional imaging, it’s time to consider a new approach.
Download our free brochure to learn:
- What a WBCT scan involves
- What conditions it can help diagnose
- How it supports surgical planning and treatment
Download the brochure now and discover how Dovetail Orthopedics is transforming the way lower extremity conditions are evaluated and treated.