What is X-RAY FOOT AP?

The dorsoplantar view is part of a three-view series examining the phalanges, metatarsals, and tarsal bones that make up the foot.

Indications

This view demonstrates the location and extent of fractures in the foot, joint space abnormalities, soft tissue effusions and is the frontal view for the examination of foreign bodies.

Patient position

• the patient may be supine or upright depending on comfort
• the affected leg must be flexed enough that the plantar aspect of the foot is resting on the image receptor

Technical factors

• AP projection
• Centering point
  • x-ray beam centered to the base of the 3rd metatarsal
  • the beam must be angled approximately 10° posteriorly towards the calcaneum to mimic the arch of the foot, this may change if the arch is high or flat
• 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
  • 50-55 kVp
  • 3-4 mAs
• SID
  • 100cm
• Grid
  • no