Coccyx Flashcards
Clinical indications of coccyx
*Pathology of the coccyx including fracture
what should a radiographer note when doing a coccyx examination.
- The urinary bladder of the patient to be emptied.
- The lower colon should be free of fecal material and gas.
why should a radiographer consider telling the patient to empty the bladder and the colon of urinr,gas and fecal matter.
- 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.
projections of the coccyx
- AP
- Lateral
Equip required for AP projection.
*18 x 24 cm image receptor
*Table bucky
*Sandbag
*Foam pads
*Lead rubber gonad apron
*Sheet of lead rubber
A.P projection of coccyx
*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
direction of central and centering point of coccyx AP.
The CR should be angled 10 degrees caudad (towards the feet).
Direct the CR approximately 2 inches (5 cm) superior to the pubic symphysis.
Lateral projection of the coccyx
*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.
centering point and direction of central ray
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