Thoracic vertebra

Question 1

Basic projections for the thoracic spine

Answer 1

1. Antero-posterior
2. Lateral

Question 2

1.1. Antero-posterior projection equipments required

Answer 2

*35 x 43 or 30 x 40 cm image receptor
*Table bucky
*Small pillow
*Lead protective waist apron

Question 3

AP Patient positioning

Answer 3

*Patient supine in the middle of the table and
centralised to the bucky.
*Arms beside the trunk.
*A low pillow under the head .
*Pads placed under the knee and ankle joints for
patient’s comfort.

Question 4

Lateral projection patient positioning

Answer 4

*Patient lies in true lateral with the head on the pillow with arms over the head.
*The hips and knees flexed for support with a pad between the knees for comfort.
*Alternatively place a non opaque pad under the thoraco-lumbar region to bring the long axis of the thoracic region parallel to the image receptor.

Question 5

Centring point and direction of central ray in AP

Answer 5

*2.5 cm below the sternal angle
*The central ray is vertical at 90 degrees to the
image receptor

Question 6

Centring point of Lateral

Answer 6

*Centre through the axilla at the level of the 6th
thoracic vertebra (inferior angle of the scapula)

Question 7

special features of AP

Answer 7

*Expose on arrested inspiration to lower the
diaphragm.
*The patient may also be examined in the erect
position using the erect bucky.
*To clearly visualise the whole of the thoracic spine
make use of high kilovoltage technique.

Question 7

Special features of lateral

Answer 7

*Place a sheet of lead rubber behind the patient
on the couch top to improve image quality.
*Gentle/Breathing technique: exposure during
quiet respiration to diffuse the rib shadows,
using an exposure time of about 4 seconds and
a low mA settin