The recommended foot X‑ray is a three‑view series: dorsoplantar (AP), 30° medial oblique, and lateral—ideally weight‑bearing when assessing alignment or suspected Lisfranc injuries. AP/DP shows metatarsal heads and joint spaces; oblique reveals tarsometatarsal and cuboid/metatarsal detail; lateral demonstrates calcaneus, talus, and the longitudinal arch. Additional targeted views (axial calcaneal or stress views) may be used.

Standard foot X‑ray uses three views: anteroposterior (AP or dorsoplantar) to assess metatarsals and tarsals, lateral to evaluate sagittal alignment and displacement, and a 30° oblique to better visualize metatarsal shafts, joint spaces and subtle fractures. Weight‑bearing AP and lateral views may be obtained for alignment and arch assessment when needed.

Position the patient prone (or supine with knee flexed) with the ankle dorsiflexed so the plantar surface is near perpendicular to the cassette. Place the image receptor under the heel, center on the calcaneus/subtalar joint. Direct the central ray 35–40° cephalad to the long axis of the foot through the plantar surface to the calcaneus. Immobilize the foot and use proper shielding and collimation.

A 4‑view foot x‑ray is a short radiographic series taking four images from different angles to evaluate bones, joints and soft‑tissue outlines. Typical projections are dorsoplantar (AP), lateral and two oblique views (commonly medial and lateral obliques). It helps identify fractures, dislocations, arthritis, foreign bodies and guides treatment or further imaging.

The three standard views of a foot are: anteroposterior (dorsoplantar) — a top‑to‑bottom view showing metatarsal and tarsal alignment; lateral — a side view assessing arch height, calcaneus and joint relationships; and oblique — a 30–45° angled view highlighting metatarsal shafts, joint spaces and subtle fractures. Together they provide a comprehensive assessment of foot bones and joints.

A foot X‑ray shows bones as bright white structures with visible cortical outlines and internal trabecular patterns; joint spaces appear as darker gaps. Soft tissues look gray with occasional swelling, while air appears black. Fractures show as sharp dark lines, step-offs, or displaced fragments; growth plates are visible in children. Different views (AP, lateral, oblique) assess alignment and detect subtle injuries.