Abdomen - SupineThis is a featured page

Radiographic Positioning


Adult
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Name of projection Abdomen - Supine
Area Covered The diaphragm, abdomen, pubic symphysis
Pathology shown Bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, volvulus, organomegaly, pneumoperitoneum, tumour and ascities
Radiographic Anatomy Abdomen Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation 35 x 43 cm
Portrait
D.R. may cover 43 x 43 cm
Some obese patients will require two 35 x 43 cm landscape to cover the abdominal area. (sometimes 4 films required)
Film / Screen Combination Regular
(CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid Moving or Stationary Grid
Filter No
Exposure 75 kVp
35 mAs
FFD / SID 100 cm
Central Ray Directed to the midsaggital plane at the level of the iliac crests
Perpendicular to the IR
Collimation Centre: To the midsaggital plane at the level of the iliac crests
Shutter A: Open to include the pubic symphysis inferiorly
Shutter B: Open to include the lateral skin margins
Markers Inferior and Lateral
Marker orientation AP
Shielding Gonadal for males (check your department's policy guidelines)
Respiration Suspended on expiration - this lifts the diaphragm and presents the abdominal contents in a more relaxed state. (check your departmental technique protocol)
Positioning
  • Patient is supine on the table
  • Cushion for head
  • Patient's arms slightly abducted from the torso
  • Positioned without rotation of the pelvis and torso
  • Ensure there are no artefacts such as zips or buttons over the area being imaged
  • Centre the midsaggital plane of the patient to the midline of the IR
  • CR directed to the midsaggital plane at the level of the iliac crests
Critique

 Positioning
No rotation as evidenced by
  • symmetrical iliac wings
  • the obturator foramina are both open and symmetrical
  • the sacrum is centred in the pelvic inlet
  • the pedicles of the vertebrae are the same distance from the spinous processes on each side
Area Covered
  • The diaphragm to pubic symphysis
Collimation
  • Centre: L4 Lumbar vertebra, which is at the level of the iliac crests
  • Shutter A: Open to include the pubic symphysis inferiorly and diaphragm superiorly
  • Shutter B: Open to include the lateral skin margins if possible
Exposure
  • There should be adequate exposure and no patient motion so that the following anatomy is demonstrated
    • the outline of the psoas muscles
    • the outline of the kidneys
    • skeletal structures such as the posterior ribs, vertebrae and pelvic anatomy
Special Notes This technique is modified to demonstrate particular pathologies. e.g. inguinal hernia, renal stone follow up, cholycystitis etc.



AndyC
AndyC 		Latest page update: made by AndyC , Jun 19 2011, 2:44 PM EDT (about this update About This Update AndyC Edited by AndyC


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Keyword tags: abdomen abdomen AP abdomen positioning abdomen supine AXR
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Tyroneous G I series 0 Feb 14 2012, 2:47 PM EST by Tyroneous
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During a gastrointestinal examination, the AP recumbent projection of a stomach of average
shape will usually demonstrate...?
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manzoor.ahmad Barium meal induced investigations 0 Feb 3 2012, 2:50 AM EST by manzoor.ahmad
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Would you like to tell me about barium meal induced investigations?
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manzoor.ahmad Appreciation 0 Feb 3 2012, 2:49 AM EST by manzoor.ahmad
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I appreciated the contribution of people making this site very useful and knowledgeable.
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