When positioning the patient for a plantodorsal (axial) projection of the calcaneus, the foot should be flexed using what motion?

When positioning the patient for a plantodorsal (axial) projection of the calcaneus, the foot should be flexed using what motion?

• A. Dorsiflexion
• B. Plantarflexion
• C. Eversion
• D. Inversion

Answer: (A)

Dorsiflexion. For the plantodorsal (axial) view of the calcaneus, the foot is flexed upward toward the shin so the plantar surface is oriented toward the ceiling. This position aligns the calcaneus with the beam and allows the necessary cephalad angle to pass through the calcaneus along its long axis, giving a clearer image of the calcaneal body and subtalar joint. Plantarflexion would tilt the foot away from the ideal alignment, making the projection less sharp, while inversion or eversion are not the motions required to achieve this axial view.

Dorsiflexion. For the plantodorsal (axial) view of the calcaneus, the foot is flexed upward toward the shin so the plantar surface is oriented toward the ceiling. This position aligns the calcaneus with the beam and allows the necessary cephalad angle to pass through the calcaneus along its long axis, giving a clearer image of the calcaneal body and subtalar joint. Plantarflexion would tilt the foot away from the ideal alignment, making the projection less sharp, while inversion or eversion are not the motions required to achieve this axial view.