Radiographic Techniques: Sternum Imaging

Radiographic Techniques: Sternum

• Radiographic techniques for imaging the sternum are discussed.
• A specific study, conducted by Ahmed Jasem Abass, focused on the sternum.
• The study involved a Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Imaging.

Anterior Oblique – Tube Angled

• This projection can be performed with the patient prone or erect.
• The sternum should be in contact with the image receptor to reduce blur.
• A 24 x 30 cm cassette is used.
• The patient's medial sagittal plane should be perpendicular to the cassette's midline.
• The patient should lie on a trolley with the thorax resting on the Bucky table.
• The cassette is centered at the 5th thoracic vertebra.
• The X-ray beam is angled transversely to a point 7.5 cm lateral to the midline.
• The X-ray beam should target the 5th thoracic vertebra.

Anterior Oblique – Trunk Rotated

• A vertical Bucky and 24 x 30 cm cassette are used.
• The patient can sit, stand, or lie prone.
• The patient should be positioned facing the vertical Bucky. A median sagittal plane should be parallel to the image receptor.
• The sternum's position should be centered on the image receptor.
• The patient is rotated 20-30 degrees to the left (anterior oblique position) to minimize shadowing from the heart.
• The image receptor is centered at the 5th thoracic vertebra.
• The X-ray collimated beam is oriented 7.5 cm lateral to the 5th thoracic vertebra, and it is on the side closest to the X-ray tube.

Lateral

• A vertical Bucky and a 24 x 30 cm cassette are used.
• The patient sits or stands facing a vertical Bucky or cassette stand.
• The patient's median sagittal plane should be parallel to the image receptor.
• The sternum is centered on the image receptor.
• The patient's hands should be clasped behind their back, and shoulders pulled back.
• The collimated horizontal X-ray beam should intersect 2.5 cm below the sternal angle.
• Exposure should be taken when the patient's breath is held during inspiration.

Radiological Considerations

• Lateral sternum projections can be difficult to interpret in elderly patients with calcified costal cartilage.
• Sternal fractures, especially when the bone ends overlap, may be associated with thoracic vertebrae fractures.
• Thoracic spine imaging is appropriate if sternal fracture is suspected.

This quiz covers various radiographic techniques specifically for imaging the sternum, as outlined in a study by Ahmed Jasem Abass. It includes instructions for both anterior oblique tube angled and trunk rotated projections, with a focus on positioning and equipment used for optimal results.