Thoracic Spine - LateralThis is a featured page

Radiographic Positioning


Adult
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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

 Positioning

Area Covered

Collimation

Exposure

Special Notes



AndyC
AndyC 		Latest page update: made by AndyC , Jun 19 2011, 4:42 PM EDT (about this update About This Update AndyC Edited by AndyC

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Keyword tags: Lateral T-Spine T-Spine thoracic spine imaging Thoracic vertebrae
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Thoracic Spine - AP