CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which projection and position of the foot demonstrates the lateral tarsals with less superimposition?

1. AP oblique in medial rotation

2. AP supine

3. Lateral view

4. Dorsoplantar

The correct answer is: AP oblique in medial rotation

The AP oblique projection in medial rotation is the most effective method for demonstrating the lateral tarsals with less superimposition. This positioning involves rotating the foot approximately 30 to 45 degrees medially from the anatomic position. This rotation allows for better visualization of the lateral tarsals, such as the cuboid, because it separates these structures from the overlying bones and reduces superimposition. In contrast, a supine AP projection provides a view of the foot but does not adequately demonstrate the lateral tarsals due to overlapping structures. The lateral view primarily showcases the bones of the foot in profile, but it may not provide as clear an image of the lateral tarsals in terms of detail and separation from adjacent tarsals. The dorsoplantar view, while useful for certain aspects of foot imaging, also suffers from superimposition of various tarsal bones, which can obscure the lateral tarsals. Overall, the medial rotation in the AP oblique projection is specifically designed to enhance visualization of the lateral tarsals by minimizing superimposition, making it the preferred choice for this purpose.