What is the recommended foot position for a Lateral Foot X-ray?

What is the recommended foot position for a Lateral Foot X-ray?

• A. Foot in maximum plantar flexion
• B. Foot in true lateral position with dorsiflexion
• C. Foot in supination
• D. Foot in slight inversion

Answer: (B)

For a Lateral Foot X-ray, placing the foot in a true lateral position with dorsiflexion is essential to obtain a clear and accurate image of the foot's bones and structures. When the foot is in a true lateral position, it allows for the proper alignment of the anatomical structures of the foot, ensuring that the talus, calcaneus, and other bony landmarks are adequately visualized. Dorsiflexion, or lifting the toes upward, positions the foot so that the midfoot and hindfoot can be effectively captured in the radiograph, reducing the likelihood of overlap between the bones and allowing for better visualization of potential pathologies. This configuration is crucial for evaluating injuries or conditions affecting the lateral aspect of the foot. In contrast, maximum plantar flexion would result in angles that could obscure important anatomical details, while supination and slight inversion would alter the alignment necessary for a proper lateral view, potentially leading to misinterpretation or missed diagnoses.

For a Lateral Foot X-ray, placing the foot in a true lateral position with dorsiflexion is essential to obtain a clear and accurate image of the foot's bones and structures. When the foot is in a true lateral position, it allows for the proper alignment of the anatomical structures of the foot, ensuring that the talus, calcaneus, and other bony landmarks are adequately visualized. Dorsiflexion, or lifting the toes upward, positions the foot so that the midfoot and hindfoot can be effectively captured in the radiograph, reducing the likelihood of overlap between the bones and allowing for better visualization of potential pathologies. This configuration is crucial for evaluating injuries or conditions affecting the lateral aspect of the foot.

In contrast, maximum plantar flexion would result in angles that could obscure important anatomical details, while supination and slight inversion would alter the alignment necessary for a proper lateral view, potentially leading to misinterpretation or missed diagnoses.