The axial view (Harris or plantodorsal projection) of the calcaneus is obtained with the foot dorsiflexed and the X‑ray beam directed cephalad through the plantar surface at about 40° to the long axis of the foot. It visualizes the calcaneal tuberosity, posterior facet and subtalar joint, helping detect fractures, joint depression, and calcaneal widening or malalignment.

A both-heel lateral X-ray is a paired lateral radiographic projection showing side views of both calcanei (heels) in one study. It assesses calcaneal fractures, alignment (including Böhler’s angle), subtalar joint, heel spurs and soft-tissue swelling after trauma or for chronic heel pain. The patient is positioned so each heel is imaged laterally with a perpendicular X-ray beam to show bony architecture.

The lateral position for a calcaneus X‑ray places the patient in a true lateral recumbent posture with the affected side against the image receptor. The knee is flexed, the ankle dorsiflexed to 90°, and the foot positioned so the calcaneus is lateral and centered. The X‑ray beam is perpendicular to the receptor and centered on the subtalar/calcaneal region to demonstrate the tuberosity and facets.

The lateral aspect of the heel is the outer side of the heel over the lateral calcaneus (heel bone). It includes bony landmarks (lateral calcaneal tubercle), attachments of the lateral plantar fascia, and nearby tendons and nerves (peroneal tendons, sural nerve). It’s commonly involved in peroneal tendinopathy, lateral plantar fasciitis, calcaneal tubercle irritation and bursitis.

Axial in X‑ray refers to images taken along or around the body’s long axis, producing cross‑sectional (transverse) slices or projections. An axial projection directs the X‑ray beam parallel to the axis of a body part, showing anatomy in a slice or ring‑like view. It’s commonly used in CT and specific X‑ray projections to visualize internal structures in cross section.

A lateral (lat) view is a side-on X‑ray projection where the X‑ray beam passes from one side of the body to the other, producing a profile image. It complements front (AP/PA) views to localize lesions, show alignment, detect fractures, fluid or soft-tissue abnormalities, and assess joint spaces. Commonly used for chest, spine, skull, and extremities to evaluate depth and spatial relationships.