RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONS

Question 1

RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONS

Answer 1

Refer to the specific body position in relation to the cassette or radiographic table.

Question 2

Lateral Positions

Answer 2

1. Described byidentifying thebodyside(rightorleft)closest tothe cassette or image receptor (IR), or the side on which the patient is lying.
   
   • Left lateral position: Left side is adjacent to the IR
   • Right lateral position: Right side is adjacent to the IR
     *

Question 3

Oblique Positions

Answer 3

The patient is rotated somewhere between a lateral and a supine or prone position. Oblique positions may be done with the patient erect or recumbent. Specific oblique positions are described by identifying the body side (right or left) and the body surface (anterior or posterior) that is closest to the IR.

• Right anterior oblique (RAO) position: Right anterior surfaces of body closest to IR
• Left anterior oblique (LAO) position: Left anterior surfaces of body closest to IR.
• Right posterior oblique (RPO) position: Right posterior surfaces of body closest to IR.
• Left posterior oblique (LPO) position: Left posterior surface of body closest to IR.

Question 4

Decubitus positions

Answer 4

The patient is recumbent, the IR is placed in a vertical position, and the x-ray beam is directed horizontally. Specific decubitus positions are described by the body surface the patient is lying on.

• Right lateral decubitus position: Patient is lying on their right side
• Left lateral decubitus position: Patient is lying on their left side
• Dorsal decubitus position (supine): Patient is lying on their back
• Ventral decubitus position (prone): Patient is lying on their stomach