What is the recommended foot position for an AP projection of the tibia and fibula?

• A. Plantar flexed
• B. Neutral
• C. Inverted
• D. Dorsiflexed

Answer: (D)

For an AP view of the tibia and fibula, the goal is to image the leg along its true long axis with the ankle in a neutral, aligned position. Placing the foot in dorsiflexion brings the ankle joint into a position that is essentially perpendicular to the image receptor, which helps keep the tibia and fibula in line and reduces angular distortion. This makes the overall projection true to length and minimizes superimposition or misalignment at the knee and ankle.

If the foot were plantar flexed, the toes point downward, which can tilt the ankle and alter the leg’s alignment, leading to distortion or foreshortening of the tibia. Inversion (turning the foot inward) would rotate the foot and leg, producing an oblique view rather than a true AP. A neutral position is acceptable in some cases, but dorsiflexion consistently helps achieve a more accurate, undistorted AP image by better aligning the ankle with the leg.