Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Pelvis - AP
Area Covered	Pelvic Girdle, L-5, Sacrum and Coccyx,Femoral Heads and Neck,Greater Trochanter
Pathology shown	Fractures, Joint Dislocations, Degenerative Disease, Bone Lesions
Radiographic Anatomy	Pelvis Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	35 x 43 cm Landscape
Film / Screen Combination	Regular (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid	Moving or Stationary Grid
Filter	Decubitus filter may be used for film Not required with CR / DR
Exposure	75 kVp 20 mAs
FFD / SID	100cm
Central Ray	CR perpendicular to IR CR directed to midway level of ASIS(Anterior Superior Iliac Spine) and symphasis pubis
Collimation	Collimate to lateral skin borders and to IR borders
Markers	Distal and Lateral Marker orientation AP
Shielding	Shield gonads on all males,ovarian shielding on females is generally not possible without blocking essential anatomy (check your department's policy guidelines)
Respiration	Suspended
Positioning	Patient supine on the table, arms at side or across upper chest Cushion for patients head Midsagittal line of patient aligned to center line of table Ensure pelvis is not rotated Separate legs and feet Internally rotate feet and legs 15° to 20° (do not attempt to internally rotate if fracture or dislocation suspected), sandbags may be used to maintain this position
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning Lesser trochanters should not be visible(many patients only tips are visible), Greater Trochanters should appear equal in size and shape. Area Covered See Above Collimation Entire pelvic area demonstrated without foreshortening Midsagittal line aligned with center of IR Minimal borders on larger patients Equal lateral borders lateral to greater trochanters on smaller patients Exposure Optimal exposure has visible L-5 and sacrum Margins of femoral heads and acetabula visible Ishium and pubic bones not overexposed Markings of femur and pelvis must appear sharp
Special Notes	*** warning*** don't internally rotate legs and feet if dislocation or fracture is suspected

Reference Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy. Sixth Ed..Kenneth L. Botrager & John P. Lampignano.Elsevier Mosby.St. Louis,MO..2005 Pg.275