Central Ray Flashcards
PA/AP/PA oblique/Lateral - Finger
Perpendicular to the PIP joint
PA/AP/PA oblique/Lateral - Thumb
Perpendicular to the MCP joint
PA/AP/PA oblique/Lateral - Hand
Perpendicular to the third MCP joint
AP obliques (bilateral) - Hand
Midway between the hands and at the level of the MCP joints
PA/PA oblique/Lateral - Wrist
Perpendicular to the midcarpal area
PA w/ ulnar deviation - Scaphoid
Perpendicular to the scaphoid – Clear delineation sometimes requires a CR angulation of 10-15 degrees proximally or distally
AP/Lateral - Forearm
Perpendicular to the midpoint of the forearm
AP/AP oblique (medial & lateral rotation)/Lateral - Elbow
Perpendicular to the elbow joint
Lateral (radial head) - Elbow
Directed toward the shoulder at an angle of 45 degrees to the radial head. The central ray enters the joint at mid-elbow
Acute flexion - Elbow
Perpendicular to the humerus, approximately 2 inches (5cm) superior to the olecranon process.
AP/Lateral/Transthoracic - Humerus
Perpendicular to the midportion of the humerus and the center of the IR
AP (neutral, external, internal) - Shoulder
Perpendicular to a point 1-inch (2.5cm) inferior to the coracoid process
AP oblique (glenoid); Grashey - Shoulder
Perpendicular, the CR should be at a point 2 inches (5 cm) medial and 2 inches (5cm) inferior to the superolateral border of the shoulder.
PA/AP oblique (Y) - Shoulder
Perpendicular to the scapulohumeral joint
Inferosuperior axial - Shoulder
Horizontally through the axilla to the region of the AC articulation. Degree of angulation depends on the degree of abduction of the arm. The degree of medial angulation is often between 15 – 30 degrees. The greater the abduction, the greater the angle.
Superoinferior axial - Shoulder
Angled 5 – 15 degrees through the shoulder joint and toward the elbow. A greater angle is required when the patient cannot extend the shoulder over the IR.
AP - Clavicle
Perpendicular to the midshaft of the clavicle
AP axial - Clavicle
Perpendicular to the midshaft of the clavicle. Cephalic central ray angulation can vary from the long axis of the torso. Thinner patients require more angulation to project the clavicle off the scapula and ribs. For the standing lordotic position, 0- 15 degrees is recommended. For the supine position, 15-30 degrees is recommended.
AP w/ & w/o weights - AC joints
Perpendicular to the midline of the body at the level of the AC joints for a single projection; directed at each respective AC joint when two separate exposures are necessary for each shoulder in broad-shouldered patients.
AP - Scapula
Perpendicular to the midscapular area at a point approximately 2 inches (5cm) inferior to the coracoid process
Lateral - Scapula
Perpendicular to the midmedial border of the protruding scapula
AP - Toes
Perpendicular through the third (or digit in question) MTP joint when demonstration of the joint spaces is not critical. To open the joint spaces, either direct the central ray 15 degrees posteriorly though the third MTP joint, or if the 15-degree foam wedge is used, direct the central ray perpendicularly.
AP oblique - Toes
Perpendicular and entering the third (or digit in question) MTP joint
Lateral - Toes
Perpendicular, entering the IP joint of the great toe or the proximal IP joint of the lesser toes