Thoracic Review Flashcards
Function of filtration in thoracic films
Creates consistent radiographic density for anatomy shown.
What is the main difference between cervicals and thoracic films?
Thoracics = align film to part, then CR to film
Filtration = always place over the ______ portion of the anatomy as the CR goes through the part to maintain consistent radiographic density on the final image
Thinnest
-We use filtration to help protect the anatomy
Set-Up Flow for thoracic views
1) Measure for all set-ups in the series
2) Set control panel
3) Set SID
4) Set collimation and apply side marker
5) Apply lead shielding to patient
6) Positon patient at bucky
7) Align cassette to patient
8) Align CR to center of cassette
Thoracic spine series
- What if a patient is > 50?
- > 60?
AP Thoracic and Lateral Thoracic
> 50 = add PA chest if >50 and main complaint is thoracic
> 60 = add PA chest and lateral chest
AP Thoracic \_\_SID \_\_Film \_\_Collimate \_\_CR \_\_Filtration \_\_Breathing instructions
- 40”
- 14x17
- 7x17 (ID blocker down)
- Top of cassette 1.5 inches above VP
- CR to mid-film
- Filter upper vertebrae down to cross hairs of CR
- Inhale and hold
Image Criteria for AP Thoracic
- Spine in center of image, including T1 through T12
- Spinouses align with midline of vertebral bodies
- Distance between vertebral column to ends of clavicle equal
- Distance from pedicles to spinous processes are equal on both sides
- Uniform film density from top to bottom of thoracics
Lateral Thoracic \_\_SID \_\_Film \_\_Collimate \_\_CR \_\_Filtration \_\_Breathing instructions
- 40”
- 14x17
- 10x17
- Align film to part and horizontal CR to film (like AP)
- Vertical CR 1” posterior to humeral head
- Filter lower vertebrae (up to cross hair of CR)
- Place side marker and raise arms
- Breathing technique or inspiration and hold
Breathing Technique
- Patient breathes during exposure to blur ribs
- Need minimum 2 second exposure (compensate by decreasing MA)
Special considerations for C-spine and T-spine
- Do seated if possible (weight-bearing, wheelchair)
- Do recumbent if not tolerated
- Stabilizing accessories may be needed (like leaded assistants
- Adapt equipment to accommodate exaggerated curvatures
Lateral Thoracic Image criteria
- Include T1-T12
- IVF’s and disc spaces open
- Pedicles in profile
- Posterior borders of bodies and ribs superimposed
- Uniform density
Routine Rib series
- AP or PA rib (unilateral or bilateral)
- Posterior oblique ribs (one per injured side)
- PA chest (rule out pneumothorax)
Unilateral AP or PA Ribs \_\_SID \_\_Film \_\_Collimate \_\_CR \_\_Filtration \_\_Breathing instructions
- 40”
- 14x17
- Injured part closest to bucky
- Above Diaphragm = top of cassette 1.5” above VP
- Below Diaphragm = bottom of cassette at Iliac crest
- Place cassette to part and then CR to mid-film
- AD = inspire and hold,
- BD = expire and hold
Bilateral AP or PA Ribs \_\_SID \_\_Film \_\_Collimate \_\_CR \_\_Filtration \_\_Breathing instructions
- 40”
- 14x17
- Injured part closest to bucky
- AD = top of cassette 1.5” above VP
- BD = bottom of cassette at iliac crest
- AD = inspire and hold
- BD = expire and hold
Posterior Oblique Ribs (one side) \_\_SID \_\_Film \_\_Collimate \_\_CR \_\_Filtration \_\_Breathing instructions
- 40”
- 14x17
- Rotate unaffected side 45 degrees away from bucky
- AD = top of cassette 1.5” above VP
- BD = bottom of cassette @ iliac crest
- AD = inspire and hold
- BD = expire and hold
** Do both obliques if bilateral study **
Thoracic Stress Points
- Should be done weight bearing (standing or seated; seated helps stabilize the patient)
- Use sternal notch (T2 level) as double check for correct cassette placement
- “inhale and hold” for thoracic spine and ribs above the diaphragm
- “exhale and hold” for thoracic spine and ribs below the diaphragm
Introduction to Lumbosacral spine
- Standing or recumbent
- ID blocker up/away from anatomy
- R and L markers within collimation (mid-way along side edge of collimation)
- Breathing instruction is exhale and hold for ALL views
- CR –> center of part –> mid-film to CR
Set-Up flow for Lumbars
1) Set SID
2) Align cassette in bucky
3) Measure for all set-ups in the series
4) Set control panel
5) Apply gonad shield (APLP and AP full spine ONLY)
6) Position patient
7) Center CR, part, and cassette