Which two bony landmarks are palpated to assist with positioning of the upper limb?
epicondyles and styloid processes
Joint type:
Intercarpal joints
Gliding
Joint type:
Radiocarpal
Ellipsodial
Joint type:
Elbow joint
Hinge
Joint type:
1st carpometacarpal joint
Saddle
Joint type:
3rd carpometacarpal joint
Gliding
Joint type:
Interphalangeal
Hinge
To visualize the fat pads on a lateral elbow (if present), three positioning/technical considerations must be met:
1. Elbow flexed 90 degrees
2. Epicondyles must be perpendicular to IR
3. Correct exposure factor
True or False:
Fat pads of the elbow can be seen on a correctly positioned and correctly exposed AP and Lateral elbow projections?
False; Lateral only
Why should a forearm never be taken as a PA projection?
Because of the crossover of the radius and ulna
In what position should the hand be for the following projection:
AP elbow
Supine
In what position should the hand be for the following projection:
AP medial rotation oblique elbow
Prone
What projection of the elbow best demonstrates:
The coranoid process in profile
AP, medial rotation oblique
What projection of the elbow best demonstrates:
Radial head and tuberosity without superimposition
AP, Lateral rotation oblique
What projection of the elbow best demonstrates:
Olecranon process in profile
Lateral elbow
Where is the CR placed for a PA projection of the hand?
Perpendicular to the 3rd MCP
What is a major disadvantage of performing a PA projection of the thumb rather than an AP?
Magnification (increased OID)
A radiograph of a PA oblique of the hand reveals that the mid aspect of the 3rd,4th,and 5th metacarpals are slightly superimposed. What must be done to correct this positioning problem on the repeat exposure?
Make sure the hand is angled at 45 degrees
A radiograph of an AP elbow demonstrates total separation between the proximal radius and ulna. What must be done to correct this positioning error on the repeat exposure?
Readjust the epicondyles to be // (parallel) with the IR
A radiograph of an AP oblique-medial rotation reveals that the coronoid process is not in profile and the radial head is only partially superimposed over the ulna. What specific positioning error was committed?
The hand was pronated
A radiograph of a lateral projection of the elbow reveals that the epicondyles are not superimposed and the trochlear notch is nor clearly seen. What must be done to correct this positioning error during repeat exposure?
Elbow must be at 90 degree angle; and the humerus and forearm must be in the same plane
Situation:
A pediatric patient enters the ER with a possible radial head fracture. Du to pain the patient refuses to extend the elbow beyond 90 degrees and cannot rotate his hand. What type of positioning routine, including special (optional) projections,
You will need 3 exposures:
(2) AP projections: one of the distal humerus, and one of the proximal forearm
(1) Lateral projection