Ankle Lateral
Position the Patient
- Seated or supine
- Turn ankle into true lateral
- Dorsiflex foot slightly (toes up)
Words That Work
“Let your leg relax. I’m going to turn your whole leg onto its side so the outside of your ankle rests against the board. Pull your toes toward your nose and hold still. This gives us a clear side view of your ankle.”
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Lateral ankle positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- Medial malleolus
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Distal tibia/fibula · Ankle joint · Calcaneus
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 60-65 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Not true lateral (tibia not over fibula)
- •Tibiotalar joint not visible
- •Calcaneus cut off
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Distal tibia and fibula
- Tibiotalar joint
- Calcaneus in profile
Does the image pass?
- ✓True lateral (tibia over fibula)
- ✓Tibiotalar joint visible
- ✓Entire ankle included