RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING

Radiographic Positioning

The practice of positioning patients and radiographic equipment to optimize image quality and patient comfort during radiologic examinations.

Anatomical Terms

Terminology used to describe positions, locations, and orientations of structures in the body, pivotal in radiographic positioning.

Radiographic Landmarks

Specific anatomical locations referenced during radiographic examinations to ensure accurate positioning.

Coronal Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.

Sagittal Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into left and right sections.

Transverse Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) sections.

Midsagittal Plane

The sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Proximal

A term used to indicate that a body part is closer to the point of attachment or to a given reference point.

Medial

A term indicating a position closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

A term indicating a position farther from the midline of the body.

Patient Positioning

The arrangement of a patient's body to secure optimal results during radiographic imaging.

Central Ray (CR)

The central line of the x-ray beam that is directed toward the area of interest.

AP (Anteroposterior) Projection

A type of radiographic projection taken with the x-ray beam entering the patient's anterior surface and exiting through the posterior surface.

Lateral Projection

A radiographic view where the x-ray beam is angled perpendicular to the patient's lateral side.

Supine Position

When a patient is lying on their back.

Prone Position

When a patient is lying on their stomach.

Seated Upright Position

When a patient is sitting upright, typically in a chair.

Skull Lateral Image

A side view radiograph of the skull demonstrating various cranial structures.

Sella Turcica

A saddled-shaped structure on the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland.

Cranium

The skull, composed of the bones that protect the brain.

TMJs (Temporomandibular Joints)

The joints that connect the jawbone to the skull.

Occipital Bone

The bone located at the back and base of the skull.

Foramen Magnum

The large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes.

Petrous Ridge

A part of the temporal bone where important cranial structures are located.

Mandible

The lower jawbone, which articulates with the temporal bone at the TMJ.

Endocranial

Pertaining to the inner surface of the cranium.

Haas Method

A projection technique used to visualize the sellar structures in patients who cannot be adjusted properly for the Towne projection.

Caldwell Method

An imaging technique that directs the central ray at an angle to demonstrate specific cranial structures.

Submentoview (SMV)

A radiographic view taken with the patient's chin extended back, showing the skull base and mandible.

Rheese Method

A technique that visualizes the optic canal of the orbit.

Waters Method

A projection to visualize the maxillary sinuses and facial bones.

Modified Waters Method

An adjustment to the Waters method that requires less extension of the neck.

Reverse Waters Method

A projection used to demonstrate magnified facial structures, especially in trauma cases.

AP Axial Projection (Towne Method)

An imaging technique that angles the central ray toward the foramen magnum to visualize the occipital bone.

Axiolateral Oblique Projection

A technique that visualizes the TMJ in both open and closed mouth positions.

Intercondylar Fossa

The depression between the medial and lateral condyles of the femur.

Tangential Projection

A radiographic technique where the x-ray beam is directed tangentially to show a specific structure.

AP Projection (Fuchs Method)

A technique used to obtain an image of the dens by centering the ray through the foramen magnum.

Intervertebral Foramina

The openings between adjacent vertebrae where spinal nerves exit the spinal column.

Thoracic Spine

The section of the spine that corresponds to the thoracic region of the ribcage.

Lumbar Spine

The lower section of the spine, composed of lumbar vertebrae.

Chest PA Projection

A posteroanterior view that captures the thoracic cavity structures.

Weight-Bearing Projection

A radiographic approach used to assess joint spaces in a weight-bearing position.

Heel Bone (Calcaneus)

The large bone that forms the foundation of the rear part of the foot.

Tarsometatarsal Joints

The joints between the tarsal and metatarsal bones of the foot.

REVERSE WATERS METHDO LOGO

A projection used to depict facial bone structures and is particularly useful for trauma patients.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A technique employing strong magnetic fields to visualize internal structures.

CT (Computed Tomography)

An imaging method that combines multiple X-ray images to produce cross-sectional views.

Ultrasound

An imaging technique using sound waves to visualize internal structures.

Digital Radiography

An advanced form of radiography using digital detectors for enhanced imaging and storage.

Interventional Radiology

A subspecialty of radiology that uses imaging guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures.

Contrast Media

Substances used in imaging studies to enhance the visibility of structures within the body.

Radiographic Penetration

The ability of x-rays to pass through tissues, influenced by their density and composition.

Superimposition

Layers of different structures appearing over one another in a radiographic image.