Bony Thorax Projections

Merrill's Atlas - CH 10

What is the SID for almost all bony thorax exposures?

40 inches

For a PA oblique sternum, what is the SID?

30 inches

For a lateral oblique sternum, what is the SID?

72 inches

How much is the patient rotated in a PA oblique projection for the sternum?

15 to 20 degrees

Where is the top of the IR in relation to the jugular notch for a projection of the sternum?

1.5 inches above

Where does the CR enter for a PA oblique projection of the sternum?

1 inch to the side of the midsagittal plane, aligned with T7

How should the patient breathe during a PA oblique projection of their sternum?

slow and shallow breaths; hold breath if exposure time is short

What projection, position and anatomy is this?

PA oblique, LAO position of the sternum (not ideal ever!)

What projection, position and anatomy is this?

PA oblique, RAO position of sternum

Where should the CR enter the patient for a PA projection of the SC joints?

T3

Where should the CR enter the patient for a PA oblique projection of the SC joints (CR angulation)?

T2 - T3, and 1 - 2 inches to the side of the MSP

Should the patient hold their breathe at the end of expiration or inspiration for a PA oblique projection of the sternum?

end of expiration

How much should the patient be rotated for a PA oblique projection of the sternum (patient angled)?

10 to 15 degrees

What projection, position and anatomy is this?

lateral projection, dorsal decubitus of the sternum, with the right side pressed against the IR

What projection, position and anatomy is this?

PA bilateral projection of both SC joints

What projection, position and anatomy is this?

PA oblique projection, LAO position of the SC joint

How should a patient breathe during an upper rib exposure?

hold at the end of inspiration

How should a patient breathe during a lower rib exposure?

hold at the end of expiration

Where should the lower edge of the IR be for lower rib exposures?

aligned with the iliac crests

What projection, position and anatomy is this?

PA ribs

What projection, position and anatomy is this?

AP Ribs, upper

What projection, position and anatomy is this?

AP Ribs, lower

What projection, position and anatomy is this?

AP oblique ribs, LPO

What projection, position and anatomy is this?

PA oblique ribs, LAO