Elbow - AP

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Elbow - AP
Area Covered	Distal humerus, elbow joint space, proximal radius and ulna
Pathology shown	Fractures, joint effusion, dislocation, bone lesions, foreign bodies.
Radiographic Anatomy	Elbow Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	18 x 24 cm Landscape, divided in half, usually fits 2 projections
Film / Screen Combination	Detail (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid	No
Filter	No
Exposure	52 kVp 5 mAs
FFD / SID	100cm
Central Ray	CR to the middle of the elbow - 2cm distal to the midpoint of a line between the epicondyles Perpendicular to IR
Collimation	Four sides of collimation Collimate on sides to the soft tissue borders Lower margin to include proximal radius and ulna, Upper margin to include distal humerus
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 Arm fully extended with shoulder and elbow on same horizontal plane Supinate hand and align forearm to long axis of IR Lean patient laterally to enable elbow to be in a true AP position (palpate epicondyles to ensure they are parrallel to IR) Support hand to prevent motion
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning Area Covered Collimation Exposure
Special Notes