AP Elbow Radiograph Procedure

Overview

• Patient seated at end of the radiographic table
• Image receptor placed tabletop
• Source-to-image distance: 40 inches
• No tube angulation required

Patient Positioning

• Patient at a right angle to the table
• Shield placed on the patient’s lap
• Arm outstretched, supinated (palm up)
• Long axis of the arm aligned with the long axis of the image receptor

Centering and Collimation

• Center the central ray at the elbow joint
• Extend collimation about 1 inch on either side
• Include 2 to 2.5 inches of humerus and radius/ulna in the collimation
• Place a marker on the image receptor

Diagnostic Requirements

• Must be free of motion and rotation
• Anatomy demonstrated should include:
  • Distal humerus
  • Elbow joint
  • Proximal radius and ulna
• Proper visualization of soft tissue and bony detail

Medial Oblique Elbow Radiograph Procedure

Overview

• Performed the same as AP elbow settings

Patient Positioning

• Arm relaxed towards the midline of the body
• Positioned at a 45-degree angle
• Centered at the elbow joint

Diagnostic Requirements

• Must be free of motion and have a 45-degree medial rotation
• Anatomy demonstrated should include:
  • Coronoid process (in profile)
  • Radial head and neck superimposing the ulna
• Proper visualization of soft tissue and bony detail

Lateral Oblique Elbow Radiograph Procedure

Overview

• Performed the same as AP elbow settings

Patient Positioning

• Patient rolled to the lateral side (awkward position)
• Centered at elbow joint

Diagnostic Requirements

• Must be free of motion and have a 45-degree medial rotation
• Anatomy demonstrated should include:
  • Radial head and neck projected free of the ulna
  • Distal humerus and proximal radius and ulna
• Proper visualization of soft tissue and bony detail

Lateral Elbow Radiograph Procedure

Overview

• Performed the same as AP elbow settings

Patient Positioning

• Patient’s elbow flexed at 90 degrees
• Palm exposed, arm down touching the table

Centering and Collimation

• Central ray directed at the elbow joint
• Extend collimation to include 2.5 inches into radius and ulna

Diagnostic Requirements

• Must be free of motion and rotation with elbow flexed at 90 degrees
• Anatomy demonstrated should include:
  • Superimposed humeral epicondyles
• Proper visualization of soft tissue and bony detail