Calcaneus Lateral
Position the Patient
- Lateral recumbent on affected side
- Foot in true lateral
- Slight dorsiflexion
Words That Work
“Roll onto your affected side. I’ll turn your leg and foot together until the outside of your heel rests against the plate. Pull your toes toward your nose as far as comfortable, keep your ankle still, and hold.”
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Lateral calcaneus positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- CR to 1" inferior to medial malleolus
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Include calcaneus, ankle joint, and surrounding soft tissue
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 60-65 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Not true lateral
- •Tibiotalar joint not open
- •Rotation
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Calcaneus
- Talus
- Navicular
- Distal tibia and fibula
Does the image pass?
- ✓Calcaneus in true lateral
- ✓Tibiotalar joint open
- ✓No rotation