X Ray Left Heel Lateral and AP View

AP (anteroposterior) view means the X‑ray beam enters the front (anterior) of the body and exits the back (posterior); the detector is placed behind the patient. It’s commonly used for supine or portable chest/limb images and can alter apparent heart size. Lateral view is taken from the side at a right angle to AP/PA, showing depth and spatial relationships to localize lesions or assess alignment.

A both-heel lateral view X‑ray obtains lateral (side) radiographs of both heels to evaluate the calcaneus, subtalar joint and hindfoot alignment. It is used for trauma (suspected calcaneal fractures), chronic heel pain, bone spurs or arthritis. Each heel is imaged in a true lateral position so fracture lines, displacement and posterior tuberosity or joint changes can be clearly assessed.

AP view means anteroposterior projection: the X‑ray beam passes from the front (anterior) of the body to the back (posterior) onto the detector. It’s commonly used for supine or bedside/portable exams when a patient cannot stand. Compared with PA (posteroanterior) view, AP can magnify and slightly distort structures (for example, the heart) and may affect interpretation.

The left lateral position means the patient’s left side is placed against the image receptor so the X‑ray beam passes from right to left. For a lateral view it shows structures in profile. When called left lateral decubitus the patient lies on their left side; this helps detect pleural effusions, air‑fluid levels, and evaluate lung or abdominal pathology.

In X‑ray imaging, "lateral" denotes a side-to-side view obtained by directing the X‑ray beam through the body from one side to the other, producing a profile image. Lateral views (left or right) show depth and relationships of structures—useful for localizing lesions, evaluating alignment, and clarifying findings seen on frontal (AP/PA) radiographs.

An X‑ray LS spine AP/Lat is a lumbosacral spine radiograph taken in two projections—anteroposterior (AP) and lateral—to visualize vertebral bodies, alignment, intervertebral disc spaces and any fractures, arthritis, or spinal deformities. It helps evaluate pain, trauma, degenerative disease or implanted hardware. No special preparation beyond removing metal; pregnant patients should inform the radiographer due to radiation risk.