What is the recommended cassette size for a Lateral Foot X-ray?

For a Lateral Foot X-ray, the recommended cassette size is typically 8" x 10". This size is appropriate because it allows for sufficient coverage of the foot while still being manageable for positioning and handling. The 8" x 10" size is ideally suited to capture the anatomy of the foot in detail, including all necessary structures without excess space that may lead to artifacts or unnecessary exposure.

Using a cassette that is too large, like 10" x 12" or 12" x 14", could introduce issues with positioning and alignment, potentially leading to decreased image quality. A smaller cassette like 5" x 7" might not capture the entire foot in one image, making it inadequate for diagnostic purposes. Hence, the 8" x 10" size strikes the right balance between coverage and manageability for accurate imaging of the lateral foot.