Coccyx

Question 1

Clinical indications of coccyx

Answer 1

*Pathology of the coccyx including fracture

Question 2

what should a radiographer note when doing a coccyx examination.

Answer 2

• The urinary bladder of the patient to be emptied.
• The lower colon should be free of fecal material and gas.

Question 3

why should a radiographer consider telling the patient to empty the bladder and the colon of urinr,gas and fecal matter.

Answer 3

• Its because water absorbs radiation so this can obscure the anatomy reading to poor diagnosis.
• Gas allows radiation to pass through, so there is blackness on the radiograph which can also obscure patient details.

Question 4

projections of the coccyx

Answer 4

• AP
• Lateral

Question 5

Equip required for AP projection.

Answer 5

*18 x 24 cm image receptor
*Table bucky
*Sandbag
*Foam pads
*Lead rubber gonad apron
*Sheet of lead rubber

Question 6

A.P projection of coccyx

Answer 6

*Patient lies supine in the centre of the x-ray
couch.
*Align midsagittal plane to midline of couch and
image receptor
*Hips and knees are flexed over a small sandbag
to reduce the lumbar arch.
*Ensure that no rotation of the pelvis exists.
*Rest the hands above the head or rest on the
chest

Question 7

direction of central and centering point of coccyx AP.

Answer 7

The CR should be angled 10 degrees caudad (towards the feet).

Direct the CR approximately 2 inches (5 cm) superior to the pubic symphysis.

Question 8

Lateral projection of the coccyx

Answer 8

*Patient is in true lateral position.
*Hips and knees are flexed.
*Radiolucent pad is placed under the mid-lumbar to obtain a true lateral. And between the patient knees.

Question 9

centering point and direction of central ray

Answer 9

The CR should be directed 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and inches (5 cm) inferior to the level of the ASIS