Forearm and Elbow Radiography Flashcards
Identify the structures of the forearm
Identify the structures of the elbow joint
What is ossification?
The process of bone formation
When does primary ossification occur?
Occurs before birth and forms shafts of long bones
When does secondary ossification occur?
Occurs after birth when the epiphysis develops at long bone ends
When does complete ossification occur?
Occurs when the diaphysis grows into epiphysis and joins completely
(between ages of 15-21 - more rapid in females)
Define diaphysis
Primary center of ossification - shaft of long bone
Define epiphysis
Secondary center of ossification - separated from diaphysis by epiphyseal plate
Define epiphyseal plate
Growth plate - zone of spongy bone between diaphysis and epiphysis
What are the routine projections for the radius and ulna?
AP and lateral
What is the SID and KVP for a radius and ulna x-ray?
SID= 40”
kVP= 60 nongrid
For an AP projection of the radius and ulna, how is the patient seated?
End of radiographic table so that entire upper extremity will lie in same plane
For an AP projection of the radius and ulna, how is the patient positioned?
Patient’s forearm is in center of IR, elbows extended so that arm is straight and hand is supinated
What must be included in an AP radius and ulna x-ray?
Both wrist and elbow joint
For an lateral projection of the radius and ulna, how is the patient positioned?
Elbow is flexed at 90° With forearm in lateral position with ulnar surface down. Thumb should be up so that hand is perfectly lateral
What should be superimposed on a lateral radius and ulna x-ray?
- Humeral epicondyles
- Distal radius and ulna
What must be included in an lateral radius and ulna x-ray?
Both wrist and elbow joint
What are routine projections for an elbow x-ray?
AP and lateral
What is the SID and kVp of an elbow projection?
SID= 40”
kVp= 60 nongrid
How is a patient positioned for an AP elbow x-ray?
At end of radiographic table, low enough to have entire extremity in same plane. Shoulder should be at same level of elbow
For an AP elbow, where does the patient put their elbow on IR?
Elbow is extended and at center or IR
Where do you direct the CR for an AP projection of the elbow?
Perpendicular to elbow joint
How is a patient positioned for a lateral elbow x-ray?
From the supine position, elbows at 90° and humerus and forearm in contact with table (so that shoulder and elbow are in the same plane)
For a lateral elbow, where does the patient put their elbow on IR?
Elbow in center or IR and adjust hand to a true lateral position
Where is the CR directed for a lateral projection of elbow?
Perpendicular to elbow joint
What will a lateral projection of the elbow demonstration?
The olecranon process in profile and humeral epicondyles will be super imposed
How do you position a patient for a medial oblique projection of the elbow?
From AP position, medially rotate hand and adjust elbow to place its anterior surface at an angle of 45° to IR
Where do you direct the CR for a medial oblique projection of elbow?
Perpendicular to elbow joint
What will a medial oblique projection of elbow demonstrate?
The coronoid process in profile
How do you position a patient for a lateral oblique projection of the elbow?
From AP position, rotate hand laterally to place posterior surface of elbow to a 45° angle with IR
(When properly achieved, patient’s first and second digits should be touching table)
Where is the CR directed for a lateral oblique projection of elbow?
Perpendicular to elbow joint
What will a lateral oblique projection of the elbow demonstrate?
Radial head and neck free of superimposition of ulna
When is a partial flexion done?
When patient is unable to extend elbow for AP projection – 2 separate projections in place of AP projection
How do you position a patient for a partial flexion projection?
- Position distal humerus for an AP projection - CR directed to distal humerus
- Position proximal forearm for an AP projection - CR directed to proximal forearm
