title: Documenting your patient with photography in office practice.
abstract: The basic requirements for the proper photographic documentation of the foot is a single lens reflex camera, electronic flash unit, and a closeup lens set. Preoperative photographs should be a routine part of the patient workup prior to any treatment or corrective surgery. Clinical photographs should be taken with the patient standing on a plain background and should include the front, side, and back views. The electronic flash unit gives a consistent light and is well balanced with daylight color film. Surgical photographs are best taken with a telephoto macro lens or a telephoto lens with a closeup attachment. An electronic flash unit provides a consistent light. The flash unit is utilized with the AC adapter in order to give a rapid recycling and a consistent light output. Any pathological specimen should be photographed immediately following the case. Excellent specimen photographs can be taken with the use of the electronic flash held at a 30 degree angle and a sheet of white paper on the opposite of the specimen to act as a reflector. The most important aspect of the photography is to standardize the procedures so that consistent results may be obtained.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010781:Photography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods