The foot series is comprised of a dorsoplantar (DP), medial oblique, and a lateral projection. The series is often utilised 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
- lateral
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
Specialised projections
-
Canale view
- medial oblique projection to asses the talus
Depending on geography, the lateral foot projection may be considered an additional projection.