The foot series is comprised of a dorsoplantar (DP), medial oblique, and a lateral projection. The series is often utilized in emergency departments after trauma or sports related injuries ^2,4.

See: approach to foot series.

Indications

Foot radiographs are performed for a variety of indications including ^1-4: 

• foot trauma

• bony tenderness at the base of the 5th metatarsal

• bony tenderness at the navicular bone

• inability to weight-bear more than four steps

• non-traumatic foot pain

Projections

Standard projections

• DP

  • demonstrates the metatarsals in the natural anatomical position

• medial oblique

  • a DP projection with the foot angled 30-40° medially (depending on the transverse arch)

  • the most pertinent projection for the evaluation of the tarsal bones that form the midfoot and forefoot structures ^1,3

• lateral

  • projection 90° to the DP view

  • demonstrates the foot in profile from the distal phalanges to the skin margins of the posterior calcaneus, extending superiorly to the talocrural joint

Additional projections

• weightbearing DP

  • the DP projection, however, weight-bearing

  • this projection is useful when observing how the structures of the foot perform under weight

  • performed to assess for a dynamic widening of the Lisfranc joint, which would indicate a Lisfranc injury

• weightbearing lateral

  • the lateral projection, however, weight-bearing. This projection is useful when observing how the structures of the foot perform under weight

Specialized projections

• Canale view

  • medial oblique projection to asses the talus

Depending on geography, the lateral foot projection may be considered an additional projection.