X-ray Elbow
X-ray Elbow A/P View
Elbow AP
Region: elbow joint, distal humerus, proximal ulna, proximal radius bone
Pathology: dislocation, subluxation, ligament injury, fracture and epicondylitis of elbow joint
SID: 100 cm (40 inches)
Central Ray: perpendicular beam directed at the elbow joint
Respiration: suspended
Position:
1. The patient is placed in a sitting position.
2. Lower the shoulder to align shoulder joint and elbow joint on flat and extend the arm on the image receptor (IR).
3. Maintaining the supination of the hand, place the elbow joint at the center of the IR, and place the forearm tightly to the IR.
4. Lean the shoulder laterally to ensure the entire structure of the forearm is in the true anteroposterior position.
Collimation: Include all structures from proximal portion of forearm to distal portion of humerus.
Evaluation:
1. Lateral epicondyle and capitulum must be observable.
2. The radial head, neck, and tuberosity should be separated from the proximal portion of ulna and should be placed at the center of the IR.
3. The elbow joint space should be observable.
4. Humeral epicondyles should not be rotated.
kVp-52, mAs-6
Tip:
1. When patient cannot stretch out the elbow joint completely, Elbow Partial Flexion AP Projection is used as a replacement inspection.
X-ray Elbow Lateral View
Elbow Lateral
Region: elbow joint, distal humerus, proximal ulna, proximal radius bone
Pathology: dislocation, subluxation, ligament injury, fracture and epicondylitis of elbow joint
SID: 100 cm (40 inches)
Central Ray: perpendicular beam directed at the elbow joint
Respiration: suspended
Position:
1. The patient is placed in a sitting
position.
2. Lower the shoulder to align shoulder
joint and elbow joint on flat and adjust the flexion of elbow joint to
90° on the image receptor (IR).
3. Place the center of elbow joint at the center of IR and place the forearm
tightly on the IR.
4. Immobilize the hand movement for the true lateral position with thumb side
up.
Collimation: Include all structures from proximal portion of forearm to distal portion of humerus.
Evaluation:
1. Olecranon should
be shown in lateral position.
2. Lateral epicondyle and medial epicondyle should overlap.
3. Radial
head and coronoid process should overlap.
4. Distal and proximal end of the forearm should have similar densities.
5. Overlapping of humeral bilateral epicondyles must be seen.
kVp-52, mAs-6
Tip:
1. Flex only 30~35° when diagnosing soft
tissue.
