Foot AP
4
Feb

Overview

The AP foot radiograph evaluates metatarsals tarsals and phalanges for fractures and alignment. The patient places the plantar surface flat on the detector with the foot dorsiflexed slightly. This view is standard for foot trauma and deformity assessment.

Technique

Center the detector to the base of the third metatarsal and ensure the foot is flat without rotation. Use appropriate exposure and immobilize the foot to reduce motion. Include the ankle when indicated for proximal pathology.

Clinical Indications

AP foot is indicated for trauma pain and suspected metatarsal fractures or dislocations. It assesses arch alignment and foreign bodies. Additional oblique and lateral views complement the AP projection.

Image Assessment

Inspect cortical margins for fracture lines and evaluate joint spaces for subluxation. Assess for Lisfranc injury and metatarsal alignment. Report findings relevant to orthopedic or podiatric management.

Ankle Mortise Stress
4
Feb

Overview

Ankle stress radiographs apply controlled force to evaluate syndesmotic and lateral ligament stability. They are performed under fluoroscopic guidance or with manual stress during radiography. Stress views help determine need for surgical stabilization.

Technique

Apply inversion eversion or external rotation stress while obtaining AP mortise or specialized stress projections. Use protective measures and informed consent due to discomfort risk. Document the applied stress and technique used.

Clinical Indications

Stress views are indicated for suspected ligamentous injury when standard views are inconclusive. They assess widening of the mortise and talar tilt. MRI may be used to directly visualize ligament tears when needed.

Image Assessment

Measure joint space widening and talar tilt compared with the contralateral side. Evaluate for associated fractures and instability patterns. Report findings to guide orthopedic decision making.

Ankle Lateral
4
Feb

Overview

The lateral ankle radiograph profiles the talus calcaneus and distal tibia to assess alignment and fractures. The foot is positioned in true lateral with the medial and lateral malleoli superimposed. This view is essential for trauma and preoperative planning.

Technique

Position the ankle in true lateral and center the detector to include the distal tibia and calcaneus. Use appropriate exposure and immobilize the limb to minimize motion. Include the subtalar joint when indicated.

Clinical Indications

Lateral ankle is indicated for trauma suspected fracture and evaluation of hindfoot alignment. It complements AP mortise and oblique views for comprehensive assessment. CT is used for complex fractures and surgical planning.

Image Assessment

Evaluate talar dome integrity calcaneal alignment and posterior malleolar involvement. Inspect for joint effusion and soft tissue swelling. Report findings relevant to orthopedic management and fixation planning.

Ankle AP Mortise
4
Feb

Overview

The AP mortise ankle radiograph visualizes the ankle joint with the mortise open by internally rotating the foot approximately 15 degrees. This projection displays the tibial plafond talar dome and fibular relationship. It is standard for ankle trauma and arthritis evaluation.

Technique

Internally rotate the foot to align the malleoli parallel to the detector and center to the ankle joint. Ensure the entire mortise is included and use appropriate exposure. Immobilize the limb to reduce motion artifact.

Clinical Indications

AP mortise is indicated for trauma suspected fracture and evaluation of joint congruity. It helps detect talar dome lesions and syndesmotic widening. Additional lateral and oblique views complement the mortise projection.

Image Assessment

Assess joint space symmetry and inspect for cortical disruption of the malleoli and talus. Evaluate for talar tilt and syndesmotic injury. Document findings and recommend orthopedic consultation when indicated.

Knee Sunrise Skyline
4
Feb

Overview

The sunrise or skyline view images the patellofemoral joint with the knee flexed to visualize the patellar surface and trochlea. It is useful for detecting patellar subluxation and chondral lesions. Proper flexion angle optimizes visualization of the joint surface.

Technique

Flex the knee to the required angle and center the detector to the patella with the beam tangential to the patellofemoral joint. Use a small focal spot and immobilize the limb to reduce motion. Adjust exposure for the increased soft tissue thickness.

Clinical Indications

Sunrise view is indicated for anterior knee pain suspected patellar instability and chondral injury. It complements AP and lateral views for comprehensive knee assessment. MRI provides detailed cartilage evaluation when needed.

Image Assessment

Assess patellar alignment trochlear morphology and joint space narrowing. Look for osteochondral fragments and subluxation. Report findings relevant to surgical planning and rehabilitation.

Knee Lateral
4
Feb

Overview

The lateral knee radiograph profiles the femorotibial joint patella and soft tissues to assess effusion and fractures. The knee is flexed approximately 20 to 30 degrees for optimal visualization. This view is essential for trauma and preoperative evaluation.

Technique

Position the patient in true lateral with femoral condyles superimposed and the knee flexed. Center the detector to the joint and include the distal femur and proximal tibia. Use appropriate exposure and immobilize the limb.

Clinical Indications

Lateral knee is indicated for trauma suspected patellar fracture and evaluation of joint effusion. It complements AP and skyline views for comprehensive assessment. MRI is used for soft tissue evaluation when indicated.

Image Assessment

Evaluate patellar position and trochlear groove alignment and inspect for cortical disruption. Assess joint effusion and soft tissue swelling. Document findings relevant to orthopedic management.

Knee AP Weightbearing
4
Feb

Overview

AP weightbearing knee radiographs evaluate joint space narrowing and alignment under physiologic load. The patient stands with equal weight on both legs and the detector centered to the knees. This view is important for osteoarthritis assessment and preoperative planning.

Technique

Position the patient standing with knees extended and center the detector to the joint line. Use consistent weightbearing technique and include both knees for comparison when indicated. Collimate to the knee and use appropriate exposure.

Clinical Indications

Weightbearing AP knee is indicated for osteoarthritis evaluation and symptomatic joint assessment. It reveals joint space narrowing and varus or valgus deformity under load. Non weightbearing views may underestimate degenerative change.

Image Assessment

Assess medial and lateral joint spaces alignment and presence of osteophytes. Evaluate subchondral sclerosis and cystic change. Report findings relevant to conservative or surgical management.

Hip Frog Leg Lateral
4
Feb

Overview

The frog leg lateral hip view positions the hip in flexion abduction and external rotation to profile the femoral head and neck. It is useful for detecting slipped capital femoral epiphysis and femoral neck fractures. This projection complements the AP hip for comprehensive assessment.

Technique

Flex the hip and knee and abduct the thigh with the sole of the foot against the opposite leg. Center the detector to the hip and use appropriate exposure for the proximal femur. Ensure patient comfort and avoid excessive rotation.

Clinical Indications

Frog leg lateral is indicated for pediatric hip disorders trauma and suspected femoral neck pathology. It provides a lateral perspective of the femoral head neck and greater trochanter. Alternative lateral techniques are used when positioning is limited.

Image Assessment

Evaluate the relationship of the femoral head to the neck and look for epiphyseal displacement. Assess cortical integrity and joint congruity. Document findings and recommend orthopedic referral when indicated.

Hip AP
4
Feb

Overview

The AP hip radiograph focuses on the proximal femur and acetabulum to assess fractures and degenerative change. The patient lies supine with the leg internally rotated to profile the femoral neck. This view is essential for hip pain and preoperative planning.

Technique

Center the detector to the hip joint and internally rotate the leg approximately 15 degrees. Include the acetabulum and proximal femur in the field and use appropriate exposure. Immobilize the limb to reduce motion artifact.

Clinical Indications

AP hip is indicated for trauma suspected fracture and osteoarthritis assessment. It helps detect femoral neck fractures and joint space narrowing. Additional lateral or cross table views may be required for occult injuries.

Image Assessment

Assess cortical continuity femoral head sphericity and joint space. Look for subcapital fractures and osteophyte formation. Report findings relevant to orthopedic management and surgical planning.

Pelvis AP
4
Feb

Overview

The AP pelvis radiograph evaluates the pelvic ring hips and proximal femora for fractures and degenerative disease. The patient lies supine or stands with legs internally rotated to profile the femoral necks. This view is a cornerstone for trauma and orthopedic assessment.

Technique

Center the detector to the mid pelvis and ensure equal leg rotation to reduce foreshortening. Use appropriate exposure to penetrate the pelvis and include the iliac crests to proximal femora. Immobilize the patient when trauma is suspected.

Clinical Indications

AP pelvis is indicated for trauma hip pain and preoperative planning. It assesses pelvic ring stability and hip joint space. Additional inlet outlet and Judet views may be required for complex pelvic fractures.

Image Assessment

Evaluate pelvic symmetry sacroiliac joints and hip joint spaces. Inspect for cortical disruption and displacement of the pelvic ring. Document fracture patterns and recommend CT for detailed surgical planning.