STERNOCLAVICULAR ARTICULATIONS

Question 1

PP: Prone or upright (trauma patient); arms along the
sides; palms facing upward; head turned facing the
affected side for unilateral examination (rotates the
spine slightly away from side of interest); head rested
on chin for bilateral examination
* Center MSP of the pt.body to the midline of
grid. Center IR at the level of spinous process
RP: T3
CR: ┴ to the center of the IR
SS: Sternoclavicular joints and medial portions of
the clavicles.
CI: Trauma, Infection, Congenital abnormalities

Answer 1

PA PROJECTION

Question 2

PP: Prone or seated-upright (trauma patient);
RAO/LAO; body rotated 10-15o

toward affected side
(projects vertebrae well behind the SC joint); adjust
the pt. position to center the joint to the midline of
the grid
RP: Level of T2-T3 (3 in. distal to vertebral
prominens) & 1-2 in. lateral from MSP
CR: ┴ to the sternoclavicular joint closest to the IR.
CR enters at the level of T2-T3.
SS: Slightly oblique image of Sternoclavicular joint
is demonstrated; SC joint of interest in the center of
the radiograph, with the manubrium and medial end
of the clavicle inc.
CI: Trauma, Infection, Congenital abnormalities

Answer 2

PA OBLIQUE PROJECTION
Body Rotation Method

Question 3

PP: Prone pos on a grid IR directly under the upper
chest; chin rested on table or rotated toward the side
of interest; Center grid to the level of SC joints;hands
along the sides palms facing upward; Chin at the side
RP: Level of T2-T3 (3 in. distal to vertebral
prominens) & 1-2 in. lateral from MSP
CR: 15o
toward MSP
SS: Open SC joint space, slightly oblique image of
SC joint; SC joint of interest in the center of the radiograph, with the manubrium and medial end of the clavicle inc.

Answer 3

PA OBLIQUE PROJECTION
Central Ray Angulation Method

Question 4

PP: Lateral recumbent; affected side against IR; hips
& knee flexed; arm of affected grasp the end of table
(for support); arm of unaffected side grasp the dorsal
surface of hip (depressed shoulder); anterior surface
of manubrium ┴ to IR
RP: Lowermost sternoclavicular articulation
CR: 15o caudad
SS: Unobstructed sternoclavicular joint; sc joint on
affected side; sc joint articulation, free from
superimposition by the shoulders.
CI; Trauma, Infection, Congenital abnormalities

Answer 4

KURZBAUER METHOD
AXIOLATERAL PROJECTION