Lower Limb Flashcards
What is the significance of radiographic imaging for the lower limb?
It helps in diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal disorders, detecting fractures, evaluating joint health, assessing soft tissue issues, examining bone alignment, planning surgeries, and monitoring chronic conditions.
Radiographic imaging is crucial for identifying various conditions and planning treatment in lower limb pathologies.
What components make up the pelvis?
The pelvis consists of 2 hip bones (pelvic bones), sacrum, and coccyx.
The pelvis connects the axial skeleton to the lower limbs and serves as a structural foundation.
What are the gender differences in pelvis structure?
- Women: Gynaecoid pelvis, wider and lighter, adapted for childbirth.
- Men: Android pelvis, narrower and heart-shaped.
These differences are significant for anatomical and clinical considerations.
What is the function of the femur?
The femur provides attachment for many muscles and ligaments of the lower body and is the only bone in the thigh.
It is also the longest bone in the body.
Where is the patella located?
The patella is located at the front of the knee joint.
It plays an important role in leg extension and protection of the knee joint.
What are the key characteristics of the tibia?
- Medial side of the lower leg, forms the shin.
- Second-largest bone in the body, larger bone of the lower leg.
- Important in weight-bearing.
The tibia is crucial for stability and support during movement.
What is the role of the fibula?
The fibula is located on the lateral side of the lower leg and acts as an attachment for muscles but does not bear weight.
It helps stabilize the ankle joint.
What are the three groups of tarsal bones?
- Proximal Group: Talus, Calcaneus.
- Intermediate Group: Navicular.
- Distal Group: Cuboid, Cuneiforms.
These groups are important for the structure and function of the ankle and hindfoot.
What is the function of the hip joint?
The hip joint connects the lower limb to the pelvic girdle, providing stability and weight-bearing capacity, allowing a wide range of movement.
It is a ball and socket synovial joint.
What type of joint is the knee joint?
The knee joint is a hinge synovial joint.
It allows for flexion and extension of the leg.
What is the primary function of the ankle joint?
The ankle joint allows dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the foot and carries the body’s weight.
It is classified as a hinge synovial joint.
Fill in the blank: The subtalar joint allows _______ and pivoting.
[foot rotation]
It provides balance and shock absorption.
What is the clinical importance of the AP view in radiographic imaging?
- Detects fractures, evaluates alignment.
- Identifies joint dislocations and bone abnormalities.
- Assesses joint space and degradation.
- Reveals signs of soft tissue injuries.
The AP view reduces unnecessary radiation exposure and improves diagnostic accuracy.
What are the articulating bones in the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP)?
The metatarsal bones and proximal phalanges of the toes.
This joint is important for walking, allowing flexion, extension, and some abduction/adduction.
True or False: The interphalangeal joints allow flexion and extension of the toes.
True
These joints are crucial for mobility and function of the toes.
What is the function of imaging in monitoring chronic conditions?
Imaging helps track the progression of conditions like arthritis or degenerative diseases.
Regular imaging is essential for effective management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
What is the structure of metatarsal bones?
Each metatarsal bone has a head, neck, shaft, and base (distal to proximal).
There are 5 metatarsal bones, one for each digit.
What is a key characteristic of the calcaneus?
The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone in the hindfoot region and bears weight when walking.
It articulates with the subtalar joint and other tarsal bones.
What are the articulating bones of the talocalcaneonavicular joint?
The anterior surface of the talus articulates with the navicular bone.
This joint plays a role in foot movement and flexibility.
What is the primary role of the intermetatarsal joints?
The intermetatarsal joints allow small movements between adjacent metatarsals to aid in foot flexibility.
These joints contribute to the overall mobility of the foot.
What is the function of the tarsometatarsal joints?
The tarsometatarsal joints provide limited movement and help form the transverse arch of the foot.
These joints consist of the distal surfaces of tarsal bones and proximal bases of metatarsals.
What is the positioning for an Oblique Hip X-ray?
Supine on table, rotate 45° onto affected side.
Central ray is perpendicular to image receptor, with the hip joint in oblique profile.
Where should the vertical beam be centered for an Oblique Hip X-ray?
Centered on femoral pulse at groin of affected side.
What is the limb positioning for an Oblique Hip X-ray?
Hip abducted and flexed 45°, knee flexed, lateral aspect of thigh in contact with tabletop.
What is the technique for Frog-Leg Hips X-ray?
Supine on x-ray table, hips and knees fixed, both limbs rotated laterally (60°) with knees separated.
What is the central ray direction for the Frog-Leg Hips X-ray?
Perpendicular to image receptor, centered at middle level of femoral pulse.
What does the Judet View for the Iliac Oblique require?
Supine on table, unaffected side rotated 45° anterior.
What structures are visualized in the Iliac Oblique view?
Anterior acetabular rim, posterior ilioischial column, iliac wing.
How is the Obturator Oblique view performed?
Supine, affected side rotated 45° anterior.
What is the central ray location for the AP Femur X-ray?
Centered at mid-shaft of femur.
What is the patient position for the Lateral Femur X-ray?
AP position, rotate onto affected side.
What is the central ray direction for the AP Knee X-ray?
Vertical beam, 1 cm below patella.
What is the knee positioning for Lateral Knee X-ray?
Knee bent 45°, weight-bearing or supine.
How is the Horizontal Beam Lateral Knee X-ray performed?
Supine on table/bed, horizontal beam over upper border of lateral tibial condyle.
What is the patient positioning for the Mortise AP Ankle view?
Supine or seated, dorsiflexion of ankle 90°, limb medially rotated until malleoli are equidistant.
What is the vertical beam direction for the Lateral Ankle X-ray?
Over medial malleolus.
What is the projection for the DP view of the foot?
Seated, plantar foot on image receptor.
What is the kVp range for pediatric patients?
Lower kVp for sensitive tissues.
What is the impact of increasing mAs on the image?
Brighter image, reduced noise, but higher radiation exposure.
What does a smaller focal spot size provide?
Sharper images with better detail.
What is the effect of longer Source-to-Image Distance (SID)?
Reduces magnification and improves sharpness.
What is the purpose of using grids in X-ray imaging?
Reduce scatter radiation and improve image contrast.
What is the ALARA principle?
As Low As Reasonably Achievable, aimed at minimizing radiation exposure.
What factors need to be assessed for safe adaptation of radiographic technique?
- Patient characteristics
- Clinical indications
- Equipment & technology
- Initial settings
- Evaluation & optimization
- Feedback & collaboration
What is the goal of patient comfort & care considerations in radiography?
Ensure safety, minimize discomfort, and enhance patient compliance.
What is the kVp range for adult pelvis imaging?
75 kVp.
How should anatomical side markers be used in radiography?
Correct placement and visibility to identify laterality of the anatomy.
What should be done if an image needs to be repeated?
Justify the need and adjust technique accordingly.
What should be reviewed in the evaluation of radiographic images?
- Clarity
- Contrast
- Diagnostic quality
