LATERAL POSITION: PATIENT RECUMBEN

Pathology demonstrated :

Fractures of the scapula. 

NOTE: This position results in a magnified image because of increased object image receptor distance (OID).

IR size :

24 × 30 cm (10 × 12 inches).

IR POSITION :

lengthwise / inpucky.

Shielding :

Shield radiosensitive tissues outside region of interest.

Patient position :

Perform radiograph with patient in a supine position, and place affected arm across chest. Palpate AC joint articulation and superior border of the scapula and rotate patient until an imaginary line between these two points is perpendicular to the IR; this elevates the affected shoulder until body of scapula is in a true lateral position. Flex knee of affected side to help patient maintain this oblique body position.

Part position :

Palpate borders of scapula by grasping medial and lateral borders of body of scapula with fingers and thumb. Carefully adjust body rotation as needed to bring the plane of the scapular body perpendicular to the IR.

• Align patient on tabletop so that center of the midlateral (axillary) border of scapula is centered to CR and IR.

CR :

CR to midscapula lateral border.

Collimation :

Closely collimate to area of scapula./ 

Note ; Respiration : Suspend respiration during exposure.

Criteria :

Anatomy Demonstrated: 

• Entire scapula should be visualized in a lateral position.

Position: 

• True lateral is shown by direct superimposition of vertebral and lateral borders. 

• Body of scapula should be seen in profile, free of superimposition by ribs. 

• As much as possible, the humerus should not superimpose area of interest of the scapula. 

• Collimation to area of interest.

Exposure: 

• Optimal exposure with no motion demonstrates.