Clinical/methodical issue: Due to mechanical loading and the number of joints involved, fractures of the foot are among the most common fractures.
Standard radiological methods: X-ray is basis for diagnostic workup of all foot fractures.
Methodical innovations: For stress fractures, the additional use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is indicated. Computed tomography (CT) can be used for preoperative imaging of intraarticular tarsal fractures.
Performance: Simple traumatic fractures can be reliably diagnosed by X‑ray. On the other hand, there is a poor sensitivity for stress fractures.
Achievements: Using a combination of X‑ray, MRI, and CT, it is possible to reliably diagnosis and classify foot fractures.
Practical recommendations: The first step to diagnose a foot fracture should be the X‑ray. CT and MRI can also be used to detect intra-articular fractures and MRI can be used for stress fractures.
Keywords: Classification; Diagnostic X‑ray; Foot skeleton; Stress fractures; Traumatic bone fractures.