Chapter 5: Forearm evaluation criteria/structures shown

Question 1

What is the evaluation criteria for an AP forearm?

Answer 1

Entire forearm, including wrist, and distal humerus, and proximal row of slightly distorted carpal bones***

Question 1

What is the evaluation criteria for an AP forearm image?

Answer 1

Slight superimposition of the radial head, neck, and tuberosity over the proximal ulna

no elongation or foreshortening of the humeral epicondyles

partially open elbow joint if the shoulder was placed in the same plane as the forearm

open radioulnar space***

bony trabecular detail and surrounding soft tissues

Question 2

What structures should be seen in a lateral forearm image?

Answer 2

entire forearm, including wrist and distal humerus in a true lateral position.

Question 3

What is the evaluation criteria for a lateral forearm?

Answer 3

Superimposition of
-the radius and ulna at their distal end

-the radial head over the coronoid process
-humeral epicondyles

Radial tuberosity facing anteriorly

Bony trabecular detail and surrounding soft tissues

Question 4

Structures Shown/Evaluation Criteria for AP elbow

Answer 4

radial head, neck, and tuberosity slightly superimposed over the proximal ulna

elbow joint open and centered to the central ray

no rotation of humeral epicondyles
- coronoid and olecranon fossae approximately equidistant to epicondyles

bony trabecular detail and surrounding tissue

Question 5

Structures Shown/Evaluation criteria for a lateral elbow

Answer 5

Elbow joint open and centered to the central ray

elbow in a true lateral position
- superimposed humeral epicondyles
- radial tuberosity facing anteriorly
- radial head partially superimposing the coronoid process
- olecranon process in profile

elbow centered and flexed 90 degrees

bony trabecular detail

elevated fat pads in the soft tissue, if present