5.1 Mobile Radiography Projections

Part position for AP Chest

• midsagittal plane (MSP) in center of IR

• Top of IR 2 inches above relaxed shoulders

• no leaning or rotation

CR for AP Chest

• perpendicular to long axis of sternum and IR

• enters approx 3 inches below jugular notch at level of T7

• exposure made on inspiration

Structures shown on AP Chest

• heart

• trachea

• diaphragmatic domes

• entire lung fields

• vascular markings

Part position for AP/PA Chest Lateral Decubitus

• recumbent right or left lateral, dependent on condition and/or pathology

• knee flexed

• place firm support under body to elevate 2 to 3 inches

• raise arms over head or our of anatomy of interest

• protect patient from rolling off bed

CR for AP/PA Lateral Decub

• horizontal and perpendicular to IR

• enters approx. 3 inches below jugular notch at level of T7

Structures shown in AP/PA Chest Lateral Decubs

• anatomy of the thorax

• entire lung fields

• air or fluid levels if present

Part Position of AP Abdomen

• place IR under body centered to MSP and level of iliac crests

• if upper abdomen of interest, center IR 2 inches above iliac crests

• align shoulders and hips in same place

CR of AP Abdomen

• perpendicular to center of IR

• enters at MSP at level of iliac crests or 2 inches above (for diaphragm)

• expose on expiration

Structures shown on AP Abdomen

• Inferior margin of the liver

• the spleen

• kidneys

• psoas muscles

• evidence of tumor masses

• size and shape of liver if upper abdomen and diaphragm included

Part Position for Left lateral AP/PA abdomen decub

• recumbent left lateral position

• flex knees for comfort and stability

• true lateral without rotation

• place vertical IR/grid centered at 2 inches above iliac crests to demonstrate diaphragm

CR for AP/PA Abdomen left lateral decub

• horizontal and perpendicular to center of grid

• enters at MSP at level 2 inches above iliac crests

• exposure made on expiration

Structures shown on Left lateral abdomen decub

• air or fluid levels within abdomen if present

• right border of the abdomen must be visualized

• well defined diaphragm and abdominal viscera

Part Position for AP Pelvis

• place IR/grid under pelvis centered to MSP at level midway between between ASIS and pubic symphysis

• rotate legs medially approx. 15 degrees when not contraindicated

CR for AP Pelvis

• Perpendicular to IR center

• enters patient at MSP at 2 inches above pubic symphysis and 2 inches below ASIS

• exposure made at end of expiration

Structures shown on AP Pelvis

• both hip bones

• the sacrum and coccyx

• the head,neck and trochanters

• prox portion of the femora

Part Position of AP Femur

• distal end of grid low enough to include fracture site, pathology, and knee joint

• ensure proper IR/grid alignment with CR and parallel with femoral condyles

CR for AP Femur

• Perpendicular to long axis of femur and center of grid

• CR and IR/ grid must be aligned (to prevent cutoff)

For lateral femur which projection is preferred?

Mediolateral because it provides more visualization of proximal femur

Part position for lateral Cervical spine

• Top of grid approx. 1 inch above EAM and centered to C4

CR for lateral cervical spine

• horizontal and perpendicular to center of grid

• enters level of C4

• 60-72 inches SID is recommended to help demonstrate C7