Radiographic Imaging Techniques for Humerus and Elbow Quiz

Radiographic Imaging Techniques for Humerus and Elbow

• The radiographic evaluation for humerus includes erect lateral, supine lateromedial, and mediolateral projections with a minimum source-to-image distance (SID) of 40 inches.
• The patient should be positioned either erect or supine, with the shoulder and elbow joints equidistant from the ends of the image receptor (IR).
• The anatomy demonstrated in the radiographic images should include the lateral projection of the entire humerus, including the elbow and shoulder joints.
• Respiration should be suspended during exposure to obtain optimal density and contrast with no motion and visualize clear, sharp bony trabecular markings of the entire humerus.
• The clinical indications for these radiographic examinations include fractures, dislocation of the humerus, and pathologic processes such as osteoporosis.
• For the elbow, the radiographic evaluation includes acute flexion (Jones method) and trauma axial laterals (Coyle method) with the patient seated at the end of the table with the arm flexed 90°.
• Different projections for the elbow involve rotation of the hand and wrist, such as maximum external rotation, true lateral position, pronation, and maximum internal rotation, to demonstrate different parts of the radial head.
• The evaluation criteria for specific anatomy in the elbow imaging include ensuring the elbow is flexed 90° in the true lateral position and visualizing the radial head and neck partially superimposed by the ulna but completely visualized in profile in various projections.
• The technical factors for these radiographic evaluations include specific minimum SID, IR size, grid requirements, kV range for analog and digital systems, and shielding of radiosensitive tissues outside the region of interest.
• The patient's position, part position, and centering of the radial head area to the center of the IR are crucial for obtaining accurate elbow radiographic images.
• Collimation should be done to the area of interest, including the lower margin of collimation field to include the elbow joint and about 2.5 cm of the proximal forearm for humerus evaluation.
• The exposure for these radiographic examinations should result in optimal density and contrast with no motion and visualize sharp cortical margins and clear, bony trabecular markings at both proximal and distal portions of the humerus and specific parts of the radial head for the elbow.