The medial oblique foot x-ray: identification of soft tissue shadows seen plantarly

A soft tissue shadow is present on oblique foot x-rays in the arc between the lateral process of the calcaneus and the styloid process of the fifth metatarsal. Surgical placement of metal wires, followed by x-ray examination, has conclusively shown the shadow to have two components, namely, the tendon of peroneus longus and the muscle belly and tendon of abductor digiti minimi. Double screen intensifying cassettes are highly recommended to obtain soft tissue resolution.