Elbow - Acute Flexion

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Elbow - Acute Flexion
Area Covered	Distal humerus, proximal radius and ulna
Pathology shown	Fractures and dislocations of the elbow in acute flexion
Radiographic Anatomy	Elbow Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	18 x 24 cm Landscape
Film / Screen Combination	Detail (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid	No
Filter	No
Exposure	56 kVp 6 mAs
FFD / SID	100cm
Central Ray	To visualise both the distal humerus and the proximal radius & ulna, two projections are required, one with CR perpendicular to the humerus and one with CR angled so it is perpendicular to the forearm Distal humerus: CR perpendicular to IR and humerus Directed to the midpoint between the epicondyles of humerus Proximal forearm: CR perpendicular to forearm (angled as needed) Directed to a point 5cm proximal to to olecranon process
Collimation	Four sides of collimation Collimate on sides to the soft tissue borders Upper and lower margins to include area of interest
Markers	Distal and Lateral Marker orientation AP
Shielding	Gonadal (check your department's policy guidelines)
Respiration	Not applicable
Positioning	Patient seated at end of table Elbow acutely flexed and fingertips resting on shoulder Align and centre humerus to long axis of IR Ensure no rotation of elbow (palpate epicondyles and see if they are equal distances from IR for no rotation) To see distal humerus: CR perpendicular to IR and humerus Directed to the midpoint between the epicondyles of humerus To see proximal forearm: CR perpendicular to forearm (angled as needed) Directed to a point 5cm proximal to to olecranon process
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning Area Covered Collimation Exposure
Special Notes