Toes AP

• All five toes from tips to metatarsal bases.
• Metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints open.
• Medial and lateral sesamoid contours under the first metatarsal head.
• Metatarsal shafts and bases.
• Tarsal bones of the foot.

• Verify patient identity using two identifiers.
• Remove footwear, socks, and any radiopaque foot jewelry.
• Position the patient supine or seated with the leg extended.
• Place the affected foot flat on the IR with toes pointing toward tube.
• Align the foot so toes are perpendicular to the IR surface.

3rd metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, with foot flat on IR.

Perpendicular to the mid-foot, centered to the 3rd MTP joint.

kVp

55–65

mAs

2–4

SID

40" (102 cm)

Notes

Tabletop technique. All five toes must be visible in the collimation field.

• All five toes visible and included in the collimation field.
• Toes in true AP projection with no rotation or obliquity.
• Interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints visible and open.
• Metatarsal heads and bases of phalanges clearly demonstrated.
• Bone trabeculae sharp, no motion artifact.
• Collimation: 1 inch on all sides of toes.

1. 1 Patient rotating the foot inward or outward creates oblique projection.
2. 2 Centering off the mid-foot clips toes from the collimation field.
3. 3 Flexed toes overlap the metatarsophalangeal joint spaces.
4. 4 Unequal IR margins indicate foot rotation or table tilt.

• Trauma evaluation for suspected toe fracture or dislocation.
• Foreign body detection in the toes.
• Post-operative follow-up of hardware or surgical repair.