Week 13 - Pelvis and Hip Imaging Techniques

These flashcards are designed to help you review key concepts, anatomical landmarks, and imaging techniques related to pelvis and hip assessments.

What bony landmark is found at the level of the pubic symphysis and is helpful in positioning for hip imaging?

Greater Trochanter (GT)

How should you palpate the Iliac crest for better accessibility?

Ask the patient to breathe in and out.

What is a clinical indication of a hip fracture?

History of fall/trauma, external rotation of the affected leg, and possibly a shorter leg.

What is the initial x-ray view typically done when a hip fracture is suspected?

Full AP pelvis.

What positioning is required for an AP pelvis x-ray?

Patient supine, parallel to the long axis of the table.

Where should the central ray (CR) be directed for an AP pelvis?

About 2 inches superior to the Greater Trochanter (GT) at the midline.

What is the angle of internal rotation for legs in an AP pelvis view (if no fracture is suspected)?

15 degrees.

What structures should be included in the AP pelvis x-ray?

Entire pelvis and proximal 1/4 of the femur.

What key action should a patient do when preparing for internal rotation of the legs?

Bring feet apart, then touch toes together.

What should be checked before performing the AP hip projection?

Ensure the tube is detented to the center of the bucky and the SID is set.

From the ASIS, how do you locate the femoral neck for an x-ray?

Move medially ~1 inch and inferiorly to the level of the GT.

Which projection is also known as the Mediolateral hip?

Mediolateral (Lauenstein) view.

What is the required position for a Frogleg lateral x-ray?

Flex affected hip almost 90 degrees and abduct the leg.

What does the Axiolateral (Danelius-Miller) projection visualize?

Femoral neck without distortion.

What must be done with the tube for Axiolateral hip positioning?

Rotate tube to 45 degrees cephalad.

What is the purpose of using lead strips during palpation?

To mark out the bisector lane and avoid touching sensitive areas.

What view is commonly used for pediatric patients when assessing the hip?

Frogleg lateral.

During the AP hip, how far should the top of the IR be positioned above the crest?

2.5 cm (1 inch).

Which view is required if trauma to the hip is suspected?

Axiolateral (cross-table) view.

What is the positioning requirement for a bilateral Frogleg lateral x-ray?

Center at the midline, 1 inch above the GT.

At what degree should the femur be abducted for the Frogleg lateral view?

45 degrees from vertical.

What landmark indicates the presence of a hip fracture?

External rotation of the affected leg.

What action should you avoid if a fracture is suspected during rotation?

Do not rotate the leg.

What should you assess about the table when positioning for a pelvis x-ray?

The IP should be 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the crest.

How do pelvic rotations appear on x-ray?

Sacrum and coccyx directed toward the pubic symphysis.

What is crucial about positioning for the Frogleg lateral view?

Maintain pelvis AP.

What type of technique is used for horizontal beam laterals in trauma cases?

No movement of the affected leg.

What additional factors may be considered when determining the position for a hip x-ray?

Patient history and ability to position.

What is the required central ray angle for Axiolateral hip positioning?

Horizontal, perpendicular to the IP.

How much should the patient's legs be internally rotated for the AP hip?

15 degrees.

What indicates proper positioning for the Axiolateral hip view?

Tube aligned with femoral neck and CR perpendicular.

What structures are included in the Axiolateral projection?

Complete acetabulum and proximal 1/3 of femur.

What indication suggests foreshortening may occur in the femoral neck?

Improper rotation of the leg.

What does proper collimation include for an AP pelvis view?

Collimation should extend ~1 inch superior to the crests.

What is illustrated by the lesser trochanter being in profile medially?

Hip flexion at 60-70 degrees.

What should markers be used for in Axiolateral positioning?

To indicate side of interest.

How can you ensure good positioning of feet in unilateral and bilateral Frogleg lateral views?

Sole of foot against opposite leg for unilateral and soles together for bilateral.

Which anatomy is visualized in profile laterally with internal leg rotation?

Greater Trochanter (GT).

What element should be flexible in the positioning for the Axiolateral view?

Height of the tube to mid-thigh.