Finger - PA

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Finger - PA
Area Covered	Phalanges of affected digit and distal half of adjoining metacarpal
Pathology shown	Fracture, dislocation, foreign body, infection, tumour, arthritis
Radiographic Anatomy	Hand Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	18 x 24cm Landscape, divided for multiple finger images, use lead masking for unused area
Film / Screen Combination	Detail (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid	No
Filter	No
Exposure	50 kVp 2 mAs
FFD / SID	100cm
Central Ray	Directed to the proximal interphalangeal joint of affected digit Perpendicular to the IR
Collimation	Centre: Proximal interphalangeal joint Shutter A: From end of distal phalanx to half adjoining metacarpal Shutter B: To include soft tissue
Markers	Distal and Lateral Marker orientation AP
Shielding	Gonadal (check your department's policy guidelines)
Respiration	Not applicable
Positioning	Seat patient at end of the table Forearm placed on table Extend digit palmar surface down Palm and digit positioned flat against IR Separate digits Align the digit with both the IR and the central ray Proximal interphalangeal joint of interest in centre
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning No rotation of the digit demonstrated by Equal concavity of phalangeal shaft equal amount of soft tissue on both sides of the phalanges fingernail, if seen, will be centred No soft tissue overlap Metacarpophalangeal joint and interphalangeal joint spaces open Long axis of digit is aligned with long axis of IR Long axis of digit parallel with IR/cassette Phalanges not foreshortened Area Covered Distal, middle and proximal phalanx and distal half adjoining metacarpal Collimation From distal phalanx to half adjoining metacarpal and soft tissue Exposure Bony trabecular patterns and cortical outlines are sharply defined Soft tissues are visualised
Special Notes