The purpose of the tangential projection of the sesamoids is to show fractures in which bones?

• A. Show fractures in the sesamoid bones beneath the head of the first metatarsal
• B. Visualize the navicular bone
• C. Assess the calcaneus
• D. Evaluate the plantar fascia

Answer: (A)

This projection is used to visualize fractures of the sesamoid bones beneath the head of the first metatarsal. By angling the beam tangentially to the plantar surface, the two sesamoids lie in profile and are seen with minimal overlap, making fracture lines or fragmentation easier to detect when standard views may hide them under the metatarsal head. It’s specifically for assessing fractures of the sesamoid bones; other structures like the navicular, calcaneus, or the plantar fascia are not the target of this view, with the plantar fascia being a soft tissue structure typically evaluated with ultrasound or MRI rather than radiographs.