Equine Elbow Radiographs Flashcards
The elbow joint is formed by what?
the humerus, radius, and ulna
Why is it difficult to radiograph the humerus, radius, and ulna in a standing horse?
because of its proximity to the ventral body wall, size and the difficulty of positioning the cassette
Although often not feasible what is preferred for taking elbow radiographs in equine?
general anesthesia
With the patient anesthetized and placed in lateral recumbency, the limb can be abducted and extended away from what for radiography?
body wall
If the fracture has marked displacement of the fragments or the joint disease is chronic with marked new bone production, what type of x-ray unit should be able to produce a diagnostic study?
portable
Certain lesions of the olecranon are clearly identified on the lateral projection because tissue thickness is _____ and the resulting film quality is better.
minimal
Olecranon injury is difficult to evaluate in what view?
craniocaudal
Why is olecranon injury difficult to evaluate in craniocaudal view?
because tissue thickness is much greater and patient movement is a problem
Which radiographic view of the olecranon is greatly under-utilized and assists greatly in diagnosis of injury to the structure?
skyline (proximodistal)
What are the standard views with the horse standing?
craniocaudal and medial-lateral
What are some optional/alternative views?
Lateromedial, Mediolateral through thoracic cavity, Craniocaudal (recumbent), Mediolateral (recumbent), Oblique’s, PRoximodistal (skyline or flexor) view of the olecranon
Views of the opposite limb for comparisons are done how often?
rarely
What cassette size should be used?
largest size that can be positioned
A large cassette enables visualization of the greatest area, yet, it may be necessary to use a smaller cassette to obtain what?
the cassette positioning required
A cassette holder can be used for views made with the horse doing what?
standing
Using a grid or gridded cassette will greatly ____ the quality of the x-ray by removing scatter radiation IF you can line up the x-ray beam _______ to the cassette and IF the x-ray machine has adequate settings available.
improve, perpendicular
Markers include what?
right or left limb
Standing standard views include what?
mediolateral and craniocaudal
For the cranial caudal view, the affected limb should be extended how?
as far cranial as possible
For the cranial caudal view, the long edge of the cassette is pressed firmly again the thorax at the caudal aspect of what joint?
elbow
For the cranial caudal view, with the cassette pressed into the rib cage, the medial portion of the elbow should be in what?
the field of view
For the cranial caudal view, angling the cassette allows a larger portion of the what surface to be captured on the radiograph
medial
For the cranial caudal view, center the primary beam perpendicular to the cassette through the center of the joint to what part of the cassette?
middle
For the cranial caudal view of the elbow, position the horse with the front limbs slightly _____ to separate the elbow from the thoracic musculature
abducted
Another method used for the cranial caudal view of the elbow has the foot positioned 8 to 10 inches off the floor and the elbow is partially ______ from the chest wall
separated
Due to the conical shape of the horse’s chest, it may not be possible to press the cassette sufficiently far in to include what?
the medial joint space
