Lateral position for calcaneus X‑ray: The patient lies on the side with the affected heel nearest the image receptor (true lateral). The knee is flexed to stabilize and the ankle dorsiflexed so the foot is at 90°. The central beam is directed perpendicular to the calcaneus, centered over the subtalar joint/calcaneal tuberosity, showing the calcaneal body, tuberosity, and subtalar joint.

Position the patient standing, sitting, or in lateral decubitus with the side of interest against the image receptor. Align the mid‑sagittal plane perpendicular to the receptor; ensure shoulders and hips are stacked. Center the X‑ray beam on the region of interest, collimate tightly, and use appropriate exposure settings. Instruct the patient to hold their breath and remain still; apply lead shielding and place lateral markers.

Center the calcaneus X‑ray over the heel. For the lateral view, center the beam at the calcaneus about 1 inch (≈2.5 cm) inferior to the medial malleolus with the beam perpendicular. For the axial (plantodorsal/Harris‑Beath) view, direct the central ray cephalad ~40° to the foot’s long axis, entering the plantar surface near the base of the 3rd metatarsal and aimed at the calcaneus.

A lateral X‑ray is a side‑view radiograph, not inherently left or right. Technically you can take either a left lateral or right lateral projection. For chest X‑rays the standard is a left lateral view (patient’s left side closest to the detector) because it reduces heart magnification and allows consistent comparison with the frontal view. Images should always be labeled to show which side.

The lateral calcaneus is the outer portion of the calcaneus (heel bone). Its lateral surface includes the peroneal tubercle and attachment sites for ligaments and tendons (e.g., calcaneofibular ligament, peroneal tendons), contributes to subtalar joint articulation and lateral ankle stability, and is a common site for fractures, tendon problems, bursitis and pain after ankle injury.

Treat calcaneus fractures with immediate immobilization, elevation, ice, analgesia and strict non‑weight‑bearing in a splint or boot. Get X‑rays and CT; nondisplaced fractures often heal with casting/boot for ~6–10 weeks and graded weight‑bearing plus physiotherapy. Displaced or intra‑articular injuries need urgent orthopedic referral for possible surgical reduction/ORIF. Monitor for compartment syndrome, wound complications and long‑term stiffness or malunion.