What is true about the lateral projection of the foot?

In the lateral projection of the foot, it is important for the ankle to be dorsiflexed to ensure proper positioning and visualization of the anatomy. Dorsiflexion aligns the foot in a way that helps to stabilize the ankle joint and present the structures of the foot in the most accurate representation for diagnostic purposes. This positioning contributes to a clearer image, allowing for effective assessment of any potential injuries or conditions affecting the foot.

In contrast, having the foot in other positions, such as parallel to the tibia or inverted, would not provide the necessary anatomical information required in this specific view. Additionally, while the calcaneus is an important structure visualized in this projection, incorrect positioning could obscure it or present it inaccurately, making dorsiflexion crucial for achieving the best results.