AP ELBOW 

Pathology demonstrated : 

Fx or dislocation of elbow Osteoarthritis

IR Size : 

24*30 

IR Position :

Crosswise / Tabletop . 

Sheilding :

place lead shield over patient’s lap

Patient Position :

seat pt at end of table, with elbow

fully extended, if possible

Part position : 

Extend elbow, supinate hand, and align arm and forearm to long axis of portion of IR being exposed Center elbow joint to center portion of IR being exposed Ask pt to lean laterally as necessary for true AP projection (palpate epicondyles to ensure that they are // to the IR) Support hand as needed to prevent motion

CR : 

CR ┴ to IR directed to midelbow joint, which is approximately 2 cm (3/4 inch) distal to midpoint of a line b/w epicondyles

Collimation :

collimate on 4 sides to area of interest

Criteria :

Structures Shown: 

• Distal humerus, elbow joint space, and proximal radius and ulna are visible.

Position: 

• Long axis of arm should be aligned with long axis of IR.

• No rotation : 

1- appearance of bilateral epicondyles seen in profile

2- radial head, neck, and tubercles separated or only slightly superimposed by ulna

3- Elbow joint space appears open with fully extended arm