AP FOREARM 

Pathology demonstrated :

Fractures and dislocations of the radius or ulna

• Pathologic processes such as osteomyelitis or arthritis

IR Size : 

30*35cm  (11 × 14 inches) for  smaller pt /35 × 43 cm (14 × 17  inches), for long forearms. 

IR POSITION : 

lengthwise / tabletop 

Shielding : 

Shield radiosensitive tissues outside region of interest.

Part position :

Drop shoulder to place entire upper limb on same horizontal plane.

• Align and center forearm to long axis of IR, ensuring that both wrist and elbow joints are included. (Use as large an IR as necessary.)

• Instruct patient to lean laterally as necessary to place entire wrist, forearm, and elbow in as near a true frontal position as possible. 

(Medial and lateral epicondyles should be the same distance from IR.)

CR :

CR perpendicular to IR, directed to mid-forearm.

Collimation:

Collimate lateral borders to actual forearm area with minimal collimation at both ends to avoid cutting 

off anatomy at either joint. Considering divergence of the x-ray beam, ensure that a minimum of 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2 inches) distal 

to wrist and elbow joints is included on IR

criteria:

Anatomy Demonstrated: • AP projection of the entire radius and ulna is shown, with a minimum of proximal row carpals and distal humerus and pertinent soft tissues, such as fat pads and stripes of the wrist and elbow joints.

Position: • Long axis of forearm should be aligned with long axis of IR. • No rotation is evidenced by humeral epicondyles visualized in profile, with radial head, neck, and tuberosity 

slightly superimposed by the ulna. 

• Wrist and elbow joint spaces are only partially open because of beam divergence.

• CR and center of collimation field should be to the approximate midpoint of the radius and ulna.

Exposure: • Optimal density (brightness) and contrast with no motion should visualize soft tissue and sharp, cortical margins and clear, bony trabecular markings.