What is X-RAY ANKLE AP?

The ankle AP view is part of a three-view series and visualizes the distal tibia, distal fibula, proximal talus, and proximal fifth metatarsal.

Indications

The true anteroposterior view of the ankle is often performed in the setting of ankle trauma and suspected ankle fractures in addition to the lateral and Mortise views of the ankle.

Other indications include:

• assessment of fragment position and implants in postoperative follow up
• evaluation of fracture healing
• evaluation of tibiofibular clear space and overlap in suspected syndesmotic injury
• evaluation of hindfoot deformities

In addition, this view can show bony diseases or lesions of the distal lower leg, talus and proximal fifth metatarsal.

Patient position

• the patient may be supine or sitting upright with their leg straighten on the table
• the foot is in dorsiflexion
• the toes will be pointing directly toward the ceiling

Technical factors

• inferior-superior axial projection
• Centering point
  • the midpoint of the lateral and medial malleoli
• Collimation
  • laterally to the skin margins
  • superior to examine the distal third of the tibia and fibula
  • inferior to the proximal aspect of the metatarsals
• Orientation
  • portrait
• Detector Size
  • 24 cm x 30 cm
• Exposure
  • 50-60 kVp
  • 3-5 mAs
• SID
  • 100cm
• Grid
  • no