Radiographic Techniques for Elbow Imaging

AP Elbow

Patient Positioning
- Patient seated at the end of the radiographic table.
- Image receptor placed tabletop.
- 40 inch source to image distance.
- No tube angulation.
- Arm outstretched and supinated (palm up).
- Centered at the elbow joint.
Collimation
- Extend to about an inch on either side.
- 2 to 2.5 inches into the humerus and down into the radius and ulna.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Free of motion and rotation.
- Anatomy: radial head, neck, and tuberosity slightly superimposed over the proximal ulna.
- Proper visualization of soft tissue and bony detail.

Patient Positioning
- Patient seated at the end of the table.
- Image receptor tabletop.
- Arm relaxed towards the midline at a 45-degree angle.
- Centered at the elbow joint.
Collimation
- Similar to AP elbow.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Free of motion.
- 45-degree medial rotation.
- Anatomy: coronoid process in profile, radial head and neck superimposing the ulna.
- Proper visualization of soft tissue and bony detail.

Patient Positioning
- Patient seated at the end of the table.
- Image receptor tabletop.
- Roll to the lateral side (away from midline).
- Centered at the elbow joint.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Free of motion.
- 45-degree lateral rotation.
- Anatomy: radial head and neck projected free of the ulna.
- Proper visualization of soft tissue and bony detail.

Patient Positioning
- Patient seated at the end of the table.
- Image receptor tabletop.
- Arm and elbow in truly lateral position, arm touching tabletop.
- Elbow flexed at 90 degrees.
- Centered at the elbow joint.
Collimation
- Extend to about 2.5 inches into the radius and ulna.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Free of motion and rotation.
- Anatomy: superimposed humeral epicondyles.
- Proper visualization of soft tissue and bony detail.

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