Calcaneus x-ray (summary)

This is a basic article for medical students and other non-radiologists

A calcaneus x-ray, also known as calcaneus series or calcaneus radiograph, is a set of two x-rays of the calcaneus. It is performed to look for evidence of injury (or pathology) affecting the leg, often after trauma.

Reference article

This is a summary article. For more information, you can read a more in-depth reference article: calcaneus series.

Summary

• indications
  • ankle trauma where the suspicion is of calcaneus injury
    • jump/fall from height
    • focal tenderness
• procedure
  • lateral and axial views of the calcaneus
    • axial view is an oblique view in the midline
• similar tests
  • ankle x-ray
    • specific test looking for ankle injury
  • foot x-ray
    • specific test looking for foot injury