Upper limb study Flashcards
Which two bony landmarks are palpated to assist with positioning of the upper limb?
lateral and medial epicondyles
In an erect anatomic position, which of the following structures is considered most inferior or distal?
head of ulna
olecranon process
radial tuberosity
head of radius
head of ulna
Why should a forearm never be taken as a PA projection?
A. too painful for patient
B. causes the proximal radius to cross over the ulna
C. causes the distal radius to cross over ulna
D. increases the OID of the distal radius
causes the proximal radius to cross over the ulna
In what position should the hand be for an AP elbow projection?
supinated
In what position should the hand be in for an AP medial rotation oblique elbow position?
pronated
What projection best demonstrates the coronoid process in profile?
AP medial rotation oblique elbow
What projection best demonstrates the radial head and tuberosity without superimposition?
AP lateral rotation oblique elbow
What projection best demonstrates the olecranon process in profile?
lateral elbow
What projection best demonstrates the coronoid tubercle?
AP elbow
What projection best demonstrates the trochlear notch in profile?
lateral elbow
What projection best demonstrates the capitulum and lateral epicondyle in profile?
AP lateral rotation oblique
What projection best demonstrates the olecranon process seated in olecranon fossa?
AP elbow
The long axis of the anatomic part being imaged should be placed:
parallel to the long axis of the IR
Where is the CR centered for a PA projection of the second digit?
affected PIP joint
Why is it important to keep the long axis of the digit parallel to the IR?
to reduce distortion of phalanges
to visualize joints properly
to demonstrate small fractures
all of the above
all of the above
Where is the CR placed for a PA projection of the hand?
third MCP joint
What is the major disadvantage of performing a PA projection of the thumb rather than an AP?
increased OID (you lose spatial resolution)
What type of fracture is best demonstrated with a modified Robert method (AP axial) ?
Barton
Colles
Bennett
Smith
Bennett fracture
What type of CR angle is required for the AP axial projection? (modified Robert’s method)?
A. 5° proximal
B. 10° distal
C. 15° proximal
D. 20° to 25° distal
15° proximal
The Brewerton method requires a CR angle of 15° proximal.
true
To visualize fat pads surrounding the elbow, exposure factors must be adjusted to see both bony and soft tissue structures.
true
Placing multiple images on the same digital IP is recommended as long as close collimation is applied for each projection.
false
Choose the best set of exposure factors for upper limb radiography.
A. 64 kVp, 200 mA, 1/20 second, small focal spot, and 40-inch SID
B. 64 kVp, 100 mA, 1/10 second, small focal spot, and 40-inch SID
C. 75 kVp, 600 mA, 1/60 second, large focal spot, and 40-inch SID
D.75 kVp, 200 mA, 1/20 seond, small focal spot, and 40-inch SID
64 kVp, 200 mA, 1/20 second, small focal spot, and 40-inch SID
A radiograph of a PA oblique of the hand shows that the third, fourth, and fifth metacarpals are superimposed. What must be done to correct this positioning problem on the repeat exposure?
A. increase obliquity of hand
B. spread fingers out farther
C. decrease obliquity of the hand
D. form a tight fist with the fingers
decrease obliquity of the hand
A radiograph of an AP elbow projection demonstrates total separation between the proximal radius and ulna. What must be done to correct this positioning error on the repeat exposure?
A. rotate upper limb medially
B. rotate upper limb laterally
C. angle CR 5-10° caudad
D. fully extend elbow
rotate upper limb medially
A radiograph of the carpal canal projection shows that the pisiform and hamulus are superimposed. What can be done to correct this problem on the repeat exposure?
A. flex wrist slightly
B. extend wrist slightly
C. rotate wrist laterally 5-10°
D. rotate wrist medially 5-10°
rotate wrist laterally 5-10°
A radiograph of an AP oblique-medial rotation shows that the coronoid process is not in profile and the radial head is not superimposed over the ulna. What specific positioning error was involved?
A. insufficient medial rotation
B. excessive medial rotation
C. excessive extension of elbow
D. excessive flexion of elbow
insufficient medial rotation
A radiograph of a lateral projection of the elbow shows that the epicondyles are not superimposed and the trochlear notch is not clearly seen. What must be done to correct this positioning error?
A. angle CR 45° toward shoulder
B. place humerus/forearm in same horizontal plane
C. angle CR 45° away from shoulder
D. extend elbow to form an 80° horizontal plane angle
place humerus/forearm in same horizontal plane
A patient with a possible Barton fracture enters the ER. Which positioning routine should be performed to confirm the diagnosis?
wrist
A patient with a possible Smith fracture enters the ER. Which positioning routine should be performed to confirm the diagnosis?
wrist/forearm
A patient has a Colles fracture reduced, and a large plaster cast is placed on the upper limb. The original technique, used before the cast placement, involved 60 kVp and 5 mAs. How should the exposure factors be altered with a large plaster cast?
68 to 70 kVp
A pediatric patient with a possible radial head fracture is brought to the ER. It is too painful for the patient to extend the elbow beyond 90° or to rotate the hand. What type of special projection could be performed on this patient to confirm the diagnosis without causing further discomfort?
Coyle method
The fat pads around the elbow joint are valuable diagnostic indicators if the following 3 technical/positioning requirements are met with the lateral position:
flexed 90°
in a true lateral position
optimum exposure techniques used
Excessive kVp may obscure the visibility of a fat pad.
true
Which routine projections best demonstrates the scaphoid fat pad?
PA + PA oblique wrist
Which routine projection best demonstrates the pronator fat stripe?
lateral wrist
Which of the following projections would best demonstrate a possible elevated fat pad near the elbow joint?
A. lateral
B. AP
C. AP partially flexed
D. acute flexion
lateral
Guardians of young pediatric patients who are undergoing upper limb studies can be asked to hold their child during the radiographic study.
true
a radiographic procedure that uses contrast media injected into the joint capsule to visualize soft tissue pathology of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints:
arthrography
A Bennett fracture involves:
base of first metacarpal
Which of the following fractures is not demonstrated in a wrist routine?
A. Barton
B. Pott
C. Smith
D. Colles
Pott
