Thoracic Spine - Lateral

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Thoracic Spine - Lateral
Area Covered	C7 to L1
Pathology shown	Fractures, scoliosis/kyphosis, tumour, infection, congenital abnormality
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	Breathing technqiue 66 kVp , 50 mA , 2.5 seconds
FFD / SID	100 cm
Central Ray	Directed to the level of T7 (which corresponds to the level of the inferior border of the scapula) Perpendicular to the thoracic spine (This means a slight angle cephalad or caudal may be necessary so that the diverging rays penetrate the joint spaces)
Collimation	Centre: To the level of T7 (which corresponds to the level of the inferior border of the scapula) Shutter A: Open to include C7 Shutter B: Open approximately 15 cm , this will be wider for kyphotic patients
Markers	Superior and Anterior Marker orientation 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	Position the patient on their side in the lateral recumbent position, with the humerii at right angles to the chest and the elbows flexed Use accessories, such as a sponge, to support the patient's waist so that the thoracic vertebrae are parallel to the table Ensure no rotation of the spine, shoulders and pelvis are lateral Flexing the patient's knees up towards their chest is more comfortable and also keeps the positioning stable Align the mid coronal plane to the midline of the the IR Position so that the top of the IR is approximately 5 cm above the shoulders Use a lead mat posterior to the spine to help avoid scatter radiation
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning Area Covered Collimation Exposure
Special Notes