Humerus - Lateral Transthoracic

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Humerus - Transthoracic Lateral
Area Covered	Proximal humerus and glenohumeral joint visualised through the thorax without superimposition of the opposite shoulder
Pathology shown	Fractures and or dislocation of the proximal humerus
Radiographic Anatomy	Humerus Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	24 x 30cm Portrait
Film / Screen Combination	Regular (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid	Moving or stationary grid
Filter	No
Exposure	80 kVp 50 mAs or use a 3 second breathing technique (to blur rib and lung structure)
FFD / SID	100cm
Central Ray	CR perpendicular to IR CR to level of surgical neck
Collimation	Four sides of collimation to the area of interest
Markers	Anterior Marker orientation is AP
Shielding	Gonadal (check your department's policy guidelines)
Respiration	No suspension of breath - Use the breathing technique Expose while the patient is holding still and breathing shallowly
Positioning	This position is used when the patient is unable to abduct arm for the AP or Lateral humerus Can be performed erect or supine (erect is preferred) Erect Place patient in lateral position with side of interest against upright bucky Place affected arm at patients side in neutral rotation, drop shoulder if possible Raise opposite arm and place hand over top of head, elevate shoulder as much as possible to prevent superimposing affected shoulder Ensure thorax is in true lateral position CR perpendicular to IR CR to level of surgical neck
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning Area Covered Collimation Exposure
Special Notes