How many degrees should a patient's lower leg be rotated for a medial oblique fifth digit of the foot?

To obtain a proper medial oblique projection of the fifth digit of the foot, it's essential to rotate the lower leg approximately 30 to 45 degrees internally. This degree of rotation allows for an optimal view of the anatomy of the fifth digit, including the phalanges and the surrounding structures, minimizing superimposition from adjacent toes and providing a clearer image for diagnosis.

This range of rotation is commonly taught in radiography to ensure that the fifth digit is well visualized, as it aligns the digit parallel to the film and reduces distortion. The rotation is critical because insufficient or excessive rotation would lead to incomplete visualization of the specific anatomy of interest or could obscure important details needed for accurate assessment.