Question

The base of the fifth metatarsal should be well visualized on which of the following projections?

1) AP foot
2) Medial oblique foot
3) AP ankle
4) Mortise oblique ankle

Answer 1

The medial oblique foot projection is ideal for visualizing the base of the fifth metatarsal, which is not as clear in the AP foot projection and not the focus of AP ankle and Mortise oblique ankle projections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The base of the fifth metatarsal should be well visualized on the Medial oblique foot projection. This specific view provides the clearest image of the base of the fifth metatarsal, which has a large, lateral expansion important for muscle attachments and is palpable as a prominent bony feature along the lateral border of the foot. In contrast, the AP foot projection may not offer as clear a view due to overlapping bones, AP ankle and Mortise oblique ankle projections are focused on the ankle joint and not optimized for detailed imaging of the metatarsal bases.