Week 5 - leg lengths, scoliosis, decub abdomen

Practice flashcards for radiography procedures including scoliosis, leg length measurements, and bladder imaging.

What is the purpose of PA erect scoliosis imaging?

Demonstrates spinal curvature under gravity and minimizes breast dose.

Why is a large SID (150

300 cm) used in scoliosis exams?

To include the entire thoracic and lumbar spine on one image.

What must all scoliosis images include?

The entire spine, with adequate penetration of all vertebrae.

Why are images taken on expiration?

To lower the diaphragm and show more of the spine.

What is the purpose of lateral scoliosis films?

Evaluate kyphosis, lordosis, and spondylolisthesis.

Why remove footwear before PA scoliosis exams?

Shoes can cause pelvic tilt and alter spinal alignment.

What happens if the patient is supported during PA scoliosis?

Support may artificially change the spinal curve.

What do bending studies differentiate?

Primary (structural) curves vs compensatory (secondary) curves.

Which curve type does not change with bending?

Primary structural curve.

Which curve type changes with bending?

Secondary compensatory curve.

What is the advantage of supine scoliosis imaging?

Demonstrates more correction of secondary curves (gravity eliminated).

What is required when using Siemens scoliosis stand?

Setting exposure top and bottom, ruler, 300 cm SID, and correct angulation.

What should the technologist check for in lateral scoliosis positioning?

True lateral pelvis alignment and no spinal rotation.

Why should arms not be raised too high in lateral scoliosis?

It exaggerates lordotic curvature.

What is important for radiation protection in scoliosis imaging?

Use PA projection, breast shields, and tight collimation.

What is leg length imaging also called?

Long bone measurement.

Why is leg length imaging commonly done?

To assess pre/post hip or knee replacement and evaluate discrepancies.

What age group may need leg length exams for discrepancy?

Younger patients.

What joints must be included?

From hip joint to ankle joint.

What SID is used with Siemens units?

300 cm.

How many exposures are typical in leg length imaging?

3 (hips, knees, ankles).

What software feature merges 3 images?

Post-processing stitching.

Why should shoes be removed?

To prevent pelvic/leg tilt affecting measurements.

How far apart are feet placed for bilateral exams?

13

15 cm.

Where should the affected leg be placed in unilateral exams?

Centered to midline.

What must be centered behind the patient?

The ruler.

Which 3 centering points are used for some units?

Hip joints, knee joints, ankle joints.

What is required with older DR systems?

Manual tube/bucky movement to each joint.

What breathing instruction is given?

Suspend respiration during exposure.

What must be ensured if the patient uses bars for stability?

That weight is evenly distributed on both feet.

What CR angle is used for AP Axial bladder?

10 - 15 degrees caudad.

What is the CP for AP Axial bladder?

5 cm superior to pubic symphysis.

Which male structure may be seen on AP Axial bladder?

Proximal urethra (helps diagnose BPH).

What degree obliquity is used for posterior oblique bladder?

40 - 60 degrees patient obliqued.

Which oblique demonstrates the right distal ureter?

LPO.

Which oblique demonstrates the left distal ureter?

RPO.

What must be avoided with the elevated thigh in oblique bladder views?

It should not superimpose bladder area.

What is the CP for posterior oblique bladder?

5 cm superior to pubic symphysis and 5 cm medial to raised ASIS.

What is the rotation for oblique urethrogram?

35- 40 degrees patient obliqued.

Where is the urethra projected in an oblique urethrogram?

Over dependent thigh (soft tissue acts as a filter).

What is the CP for oblique urethrogram?

Superior border of raised pubic bone.

What is included in lateral bladder films?

Entire bladder, distal ureters, proximal urethra (entire urethra if voiding).

What is the CP for lateral bladder?

Midcoronal plane, 5 cm superior to pubic symphysis.

What indicates pelvic tilt on lateral bladder?

One femur superior to the other.

What type of contrast scale is used for lateral bladder images?

Short scale to visualize CM in bladder, distal ureters, and urethra.