Clavicle - AP

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Clavicle - AP
Area Covered	Entire clavicle, acromioclavicular joint, sternoclavicular joint, acromion process
Pathology shown	Fractures and dislocations
Radiographic Anatomy	Shoulder Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	24cm x 30cmLandscape
Film / Screen Combination	DR or CR
Bucky / Grid	Moving or stationary grid
Filter	n/a
Exposure	60 kVp 12 mAs
FFD / SID	115 cm
Central Ray	Directed to the middle of the clavicle
Collimation	Centre: mid-clavicle Shutter A: Open to include jugular notch and beyond the acromioclavicular joint Shutter B: Open to include the superior and inferior aspects of the clavicle
Markers	Lateral and SuperiorMarker AP
Shielding	n/a (check your department's policy guidelines)
Respiration	Not applicable
Positioning	Patient erect (can do supine) Back to upright bucky Shoulders equal distances from the upright bucky Patient is standing upstraight, check that the patients upper body is not leaning forward or backward
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning The patient was positioned with no rotation of the shoulders, evidenced by The sternal/medial end of the clavicle is seen adjacent to the lateral edge of the vertebral column Sufficient cephalic angle is used, evidenced by From the middle to the lateral aspect of the clavicle is projected above the scapula and acromion process The medial end of the clavicle is seen to super-impose the upper first to third ribs The clavicle may appear to have a slightly upward bow Area Covered Entire clavicle, acromioclavicular joint, sternoclavicular joint, acromion process Collimation Centre: Palpate the ends of the clavicle and centre midwat between (mid-clavicle) Shutter A: Open to include jugular notch and beyond the acromioclavicular joint Shutter B: Open to include the superior and inferior aspects of the clavicle Exposure Bony trabeculation and sharply defined cortical outlines of the clavicle The distal clavicle and acromioclavicular joint are seen with appropriate density The medial end of the clavicle and the sternoclavicular joint are visualised through the thorax Soft tissues are visualised
Special Notes