What is X-RAY CALCANEUM LAT?

The calcaneus lateral view is part of the two-view calcaneus series; this projection is used to assess the calcaneus, talocrural, talonavicular, and talocalcaneal joint.

As technology advances, computed tomography (CT) has widely been used 1 to better visualize and characterize calcaneum fragment displacements and fracture lines. Yet, there remain many institutions (especially in rural areas) where CT is not readily available.

Indications

This view is able to assess for bony lesions and also helps in determining the extent and alignment of fractures (i.e. Böhler and Gissane angle).

Patient position

• the patient is in a lateral recumbent position on the table
• the lateral aspect of the knee and ankle joint should be in contact with the table resulting in the tibia lying parallel to the table
• the leg can be bent or straight
• foot in dorsiflexion
• place the opposite leg behind the injured limb to help avoid over-rotation

Technical factors

• Mediolateral Projection
• Centering point
  • 2.5 cm inferior to the prominence of the medial malleolus of the distal tibia
• Collimation
  • anteriorly from the hindfoot to the extent of the skin margins of the most posterior portion of the calcaneus
  • superior to examine talocrural joint
  • inferior to the skin margins of the plantar aspect of the foot
• Orientation
  • landscape
• Detector Size
  • 18 cm x 24 cm
• Exposure
  • 50-60 kVp
  • 3-5 mAs
• SID
  • 100cm
• Grid
  • no