Systematic Approach to the Radiographic Interpretation of the Ankle and Foot Using a Checklist Approach to Avoid Common Diagnostic Errors

Abstract

Traumatic foot and ankle injuries are common; therefore, radiologists need to be proficient in the interpretation of ankle and foot radiographs. The recognition of common injury patterns through the use of a checklist approach has the potential to improve a radiologist's diagnostic accuracy. The objective of this pictorial essay is to present a simple but thorough checklist for accurate radiographic evaluation of the ankle and foot and review some common injury patterns of the ankle and foot.