RadteraXR Ankle
XRNo contrastMSK
Indications
- Ankle pain/trauma
- Suspected fracture (per Ottawa ankle rules)
- Sprain evaluation
- Arthritis
- Postoperative evaluation
Patient prep
- Remove shoes, socks, radiopaque objects
Contrast
None / non-contrast
Technique
- AP: leg extended, foot dorsiflexed and vertical (no rotation), CR perpendicular midway between malleoli
- Mortise (AP oblique): leg/foot internally rotated 15-20 deg until intermalleolar line parallel to IR, CR midway between malleoli
- Lateral: mediolateral, foot dorsiflexed, CR to medial malleolus
- SID 40 inches; kVp ~60-70; tabletop
Series / Sequences
| # | Series / Sequence | Plane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AP | Frontal | True AP, foot vertical, no rotation; CR midway between malleoli |
| 2 | AP mortise (oblique) | Oblique | Internal rotation 15-20 deg; opens entire mortise joint space |
| 3 | Lateral (mediolateral) | Sagittal | CR to medial malleolus; superimpose distal tibia/fibula; include base of 5th metatarsal |
Key points
- 45-degree AP oblique (external) for distal fibula and tib-fib articulation in some protocols
- Stress (inversion/eversion) views for ligamentous instability
- Always include base of 5th metatarsal (common avulsion site) on lateral
- Apply Ottawa ankle rules to determine necessity
References
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.