Final answer:
Stress radiographs are usually requested when a patient has suffered from severe ankle injuries, such as ligament tears or bone fractures. These injuries can occur from ankle sprains and stress fractures from repetitive striking of the foot on the ground. Stress radiographs help evaluate the stability and alignment of the ankle joint.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stress radiographs are usually requested when a patient has suffered from severe ankle injuries, such as ligament tears or bone fractures. These injuries can occur from ankle sprains, both inversion sprains that damage the ligaments on the lateral side of the ankle and eversion sprains that involve stretching of the deltoid ligament on the medial side of the ankle. Other injuries that may require stress radiographs include Pott's fracture and dislocation of the ankle joint, and stress fractures from repetitive striking of the foot on the ground.
Stress radiographs are helpful in evaluating the stability and alignment of the ankle joint, which cannot always be determined from regular X-rays. They involve taking X-rays while applying stress or pressure to the ankle, which allows for a better assessment of ligament laxity or abnormal movement.
In summary, stress radiographs are requested for severe ankle injuries, including ligament tears, bone fractures, Pott's fracture, dislocation of the ankle joint, and stress fractures. They help evaluate the stability and alignment of the ankle joint.