Thoracic - Oblique

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Thoracic - Oblique
Area Covered	C7 to L1, zygapophyseal joints of the thoracic spine
Pathology shown	Pathology involving the zygapophyseal joints of the thoracic spine, (both right and left obliques are taken for comparison)
Radiographic Anatomy	Thoracic Spine Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	35 x 43 cm Portrait
Film / Screen Combination	Regular (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid	Moving or Stationary Grid
Filter	No
Exposure	66kVp 50mAs
FFD / SID	100 cm
Central Ray	CR perpendicular to IR CR centred to T7 (which corresponds to the level of the inferior border of the scapula)
Collimation	Four sides of collimation to area of interest
Markers	Superior and Anterior Marker orientation AP Mark the side that is being demonstrated - anterior oblique demonstrates the zygapophyseal joint closest to IR, posterior oblique demonstrates the joints farther from the IR
Shielding	Gonadal (check your department's policy guidelines)
Respiration	Suspended respiration on expiration.
Positioning	Align midaxillary plane to CR and midline of table or IR Rotate the body 20° from true lateral to create a 70° oblique from plane of the bucky Ensure equal rotation of shoulders and pelvis Posterior Obliques (recumbent) LPO or RPO, arm nearest the table should be up and foward, arm nearest the tune should be down and posterior Anterior Obliques (recumbent) LAO or RAO, arm nearest the table should be down and posterior , arm nearest the tube should be up and foward Erect Anterior obliques Distribute weight equally on both feet rotate body, shoulders and pelvis 20° from lateral flex ellbow and place arm closest to IR on hip raise opposite arm and rest on top of head
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning Area Covered Collimation Exposure
Special Notes