Ankle AP
Position the Patient
- Seated or supine
- Dorsiflex foot slightly (toes up)
- Keep ankle in true AP (no rotation)
Words That Work
“Keep your kneecap facing the ceiling. Pull your toes toward your nose, like you’re placing the bottom of your foot flat against an invisible wall. Keep your foot straight and hold still.”
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AP ankle positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- Mid‑ankle joint (between malleoli)
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Distal tibia/fibula · Ankle joint · Proximal metatarsals
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 60-65 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Rotation
- •Joint space not open
- •Entire ankle not included
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Distal tibia and fibula
- Tibiotalar joint
- Medial and lateral malleoli
Does the image pass?
- ✓Joint space open
- ✓No rotation (fibula slightly superimposed on tibia)
- ✓Entire ankle included