Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints Positioning

Question 1

What IR is used for SC views?

Answer 1

10x12

Question 2

What SID is used for SC views?

Answer 2

40”

Question 3

What breathing technique is used for SC views?

Answer 3

Suspended expiration

Question 4

What structures are seen for a PA SC view?

Answer 4

• SC joints and medial portions of clavicles seen
• SC joints visible through superimposing vertebral and rib shadows
• No rotation on bilateral exam
• Slight rotation on unilateral exam

Question 5

How is the patient positioned for a PA SC view?

Answer 5

• Patient placed in prone position on table (may be done upright for trauma)
• Place arms along the side of the body with the palms facing upwards
• Bilateral: Patient rests head on the chin
• Unilateral: Patient turns the head toward the affected side and rests check on table

Question 6

Where is the CR for a PA SC view?

Answer 6

Perpendicular to MSP entering at T3, which lies posterior to jugular notch

Question 7

What are the structures seen for a PA oblique RAO/LAO SC view?

Answer 7

• SC joint of interest in the center of the image with the manubrium and medial end of the clavicle included
• Open SC joint space
• SC joint of interest immediately adjacent to the vertebral column with minimal obliquity
• Good visibility of SC joint through the superimposing rib and lung fields

Question 8

How is the patient positioned for a PA oblique RAO/LAO SC view?

Answer 8

• Place patient in prone position on table (trauma can be done upright)
• Rotate patient 10-15 degrees into RAO or LAO

Question 9

How many degrees is the patient rotated for a PA oblique RAO/LAO SC view?

Answer 9

10-15 degrees RAO or LAO

Question 10

Where is the CR for a PA oblique RAO/LAO SC view?

Answer 10

• Perpendicular to SC joint closest to IR
• Entering at level of T2-T3 (about 3” distal to vertebral prominent)
• 1-2” lateral from the MSP
• If CR enters the right side, the left SC joint is shown and vice versa