Pediatric foot (DP view)

Last revised by Andrew Murphy on 23 Mar 2023

The dorsoplantar foot view for pediatrics is one of three views in order to examine the phalanges, metatarsals and tarsal bones of the foot. 

This projection demonstrates the foot joint in its natural anatomical position. It is useful in diagnosing fractures, soft tissue effusions, joint space abnormalities and localizing foreign bodies in pediatric patients.

  • the patient is supine with the affected knee flexed
  • plantar aspect of affected foot resting on the image receptor
  • anteroposterior projection
  • centering point
    • base of the 3rd metatarsal
    • angled approximately 10° towards the calcaneum to mimic the arch of the foot
  • collimation
    • lateral to the skin margins
    • anterior to the skin margins of the distal phalanges
    • posterior to the skin margins of the calcaneum
  • orientation  
    • portrait
  • detector size
    • 18 cm x 24 cm
  • exposure 1
    • 50-55 kVp
    • 1-2 mAs
  • SID
    • 100 cm
  • grid
    • no

No rotation of the foot which is evident through equal metatarsal shaft concavity on the 1st metatarsal and equal spaces between 2nd to 5th metatarsal 2. A physical metal marker is ideal for pediatric imaging. 

Preparing the room beforehand (setting up the detector, exposure and preparing lead gowns) is important as pediatric patients may not remain still when their affected foot is moved onto the detector. 

It is important for the radiograph to be free from motion artifact and rotation to avoid repeated x-rays.

  • it may be necessary for the parent or radiographer to hold the patient in position
  • ideally the parent should be in the child's direct line of sight
  • techniques will vary based on the department
  • distraction techniques can be utilized to avoid scattered radiation to parents and staff 3

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads