In a true AP projection of the hip, how should the patient's foot be positioned?

In a true AP projection of the hip, how should the patient's foot be positioned?

• A. Adducted
• B. Abducted
• C. Rotated internally
• D. Rotated externally

Answer: (C)

Internally rotating the leg positions the femoral neck in line with the image receptor, so the neck is seen without foreshortening and the head–neck junction sits clearly within the acetabulum. This alignment provides a true AP view of the hip and reduces overlap from the greater trochanter, improving visualization of the joint space. External rotation would tilt and foreshorten the neck, while adduction or abduction doesn’t achieve the necessary alignment. So, position the foot with internal rotation (about 15–20 degrees) to obtain the proper projection.

Internally rotating the leg positions the femoral neck in line with the image receptor, so the neck is seen without foreshortening and the head–neck junction sits clearly within the acetabulum. This alignment provides a true AP view of the hip and reduces overlap from the greater trochanter, improving visualization of the joint space. External rotation would tilt and foreshorten the neck, while adduction or abduction doesn’t achieve the necessary alignment. So, position the foot with internal rotation (about 15–20 degrees) to obtain the proper projection.