Toes Lateral

• All five toes in true lateral without phalangeal overlap.
• Great toe separated from remaining four toes.
• Interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints open.
• Metatarsal heads and shaft.
• Base of the metatarsals.

• Verify patient identity using two identifiers.
• Remove footwear, socks, and any radiopaque foot jewelry.
• Position the patient supine or seated with the leg extended.
• Rotate the foot to true lateral, medial or lateral border on IR.
• Support or pad the foot to prevent toe superimposition.

Base of the great toe with foot in true lateral position.

Perpendicular to the foot in true lateral, centered at the base of the great toe.

kVp

55–65

mAs

2–4

SID

40" (102 cm)

Notes

Support the foot to prevent superimposition of toe shadows.

• Toes in true lateral with no rotation or overlap of phalanges.
• Great toe separated from the second toe for clear visualization.
• Interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints open.
• Metatarsal heads clearly demonstrated without overlap.
• Bone trabeculae sharp, no motion blur.
• Collimation: 1 inch on all sides of the foot.

1. 1 Failure to achieve true lateral causes phalanx overlap and joint closure.
2. 2 Insufficient foot elevation results in toe shadow superimposition.
3. 3 Rotating the foot inward or outward distorts joint anatomy.
4. 4 Centering off the mid-foot foot clips toes from the image.

• Trauma evaluation for suspected toe fracture.
• Assessment of toe alignment or deformity.
• Post-operative follow-up of surgical repair.