Which two ankle projections require the patient's foot to be rotated medially?

The medial oblique ankle and the anteroposterior (AP) mortise ankle projections both require the patient's foot to be rotated medially to obtain the optimal imaging of the ankle joint.

For the medial oblique ankle projection, the lateral malleolus is typically visualized in profile, and this oblique positioning allows better visualization of the medial structures of the ankle, such as the medial malleolus and the tibiotalar joint. By medially rotating the foot approximately 15 to 20 degrees, the necessary anatomical relationships are highlighted, enabling radiologists to assess any potential pathologies effectively.

In the case of the AP mortise ankle projection, medial rotation is crucial for properly aligning the ankle joint. The mortise view is obtained by positioning the foot so that the entire ankle joint opens up, providing a clear view of the joint space between the tibia and fibula, as well as the talus. This is essential for evaluating the joint for abnormalities such as fractures or osteoarthritis.

In summary, both specified projections effectively utilize medial rotation of the foot to achieve the most accurate and diagnostic images of the ankle.