Foot x-ray (summary)

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This is a basic article for medical students and other non-radiologists

A foot x-ray, also known as foot series or foot radiograph, is a set of two x-rays of the foot. It is performed to look for evidence of injury (or pathology) affecting the foot, often after trauma.

Reference article

This is a summary article. For more information, you can read a more in-depth reference article: foot series.

Summary

  • indications
    • foot trauma with suspicion of bony injury
    • foreign body examination
  • procedure
    • DP and oblique views of the foot
      • not performed weight bearing in trauma
      • DP (dorsoplantar)
      • lateral views are of little value in trauma
  • similar tests
    • ankle x-ray
      • x-rays of the ankle only
    • calcaneus x-ray
      • 2 view x-ray of the calcaneus
      • used specifically when a calcaneal injury is suspected
Medical student radiology curriculum