When assessing calcaneal fractures, several radiographic views are commonly used to evaluate the extent and characteristics of the fracture. The following are the typical radiographs used in the assessment of calcaneal fractures:
Lateral view: This is the most important radiograph for evaluating calcaneal fractures. It provides a side view of the foot, allowing visualization of the entire calcaneus bone. The lateral view helps determine the fracture pattern, displacement, and comminution (fragmentation) of the bone.
Axial view (Harris view): patient is supine or seated with the affected limb extended; fluoroscopic beam is position in AP direction or PA direction, foot is dorsiflexed until the plantar surface is running perpendicular to the image receptor.
Calcaneal axial view (Broden view): the patient is supine or seated with the affected limb extended; the posterior aspect of the ankle is resting on the image receptor; the affected leg must be rotated 40-45° internally (internal rotation must be from the hip); the foot should be in neutral dorsiflexion. One or four images at varying cephalic angles may be acquired to view different parts of the posterior calcaneal facet.