(Detailed review) Rad Positioning (Forearm and Elbow) 10-20-25

Coronoid process is best seen on which oblique

Medial (internal) oblique

Radial head neck and tuberosity are best seen on which oblique

Lateral (external) oblique

Medial and lateral obliques can also be called what

Internal and external obliques

How many degrees should the elbow be flexed for a lateral elbow or forearm

90 degrees

What happens when you pronate the hand

The radius crosses over the ulna

Which bone crosses over during pronation

The radius crosses over the ulna

Why does the radius cross the ulna during pronation

Because it rotates over the top toward the thumb side

If the patient cannot fully extend the elbow and it is partially flexed

Take two AP projections—one with the humerus parallel to the IR and one with the forearm parallel to the IR

Where do you center for the elbow routine including AP obliques and lateral

Mid-elbow joint through the epicondyles

The Jones method is used for what type of elbow flexion

Acute flexion when the elbow is stuck in a fully bent position

What type of flexion describes the Jones method

Acute flexion

Which two wrist fractures can appear on forearm images

Colles' and Smith's fractures

On which forearm projections can Colles' or Smith's fractures be seen

AP and lateral forearm

In the Coyle's method for the radial head what is the CR angulation

45 degrees toward the shoulder

In the Coyle's method for the coronoid process what is the CR angulation

45 degrees away from the shoulder

How much should the elbow be flexed for the radial head view in the Coyle's method

90 degrees

How much should the elbow be flexed for the coronoid process view in the Coyle's method

80 degrees

What is the difference in flexion between the two Coyle's method views

Radial head uses 90° flexion and coronoid process uses 80° flexion

If the arm is straight out flat what is the degree of flexion

Zero degrees

What projection shows fat pads

Lateral of the forearm or lateral of the elbow

What does it mean if the fat pads are visible

There is likely a fracture even if no fracture line is seen

Why do we not use a grid for forearm or elbow projections

The body part is small (under 10 cm) and produces minimal scatter

What is the kVp and mAs used for forearm and elbow exams

2@60

At what kVp do we start using a grid

70 kVp or higher

Why do small body parts not need a grid

Because they produce little scatter and do not require grid attenuation

What does seeing fat pads suggest about injury

Possible small or hidden fracture

If fat pads are visible but no fracture line is seen

It still indicates a likely small fracture

General rule for grid usage

No grid for small parts under 10 cm or below 70 kVp

General rule for kVp with grid use

Use a grid when kVp is 70 or above

If a body part measures under 10 cm, should you use a grid

No grid needed

Why is less scatter produced in small parts

Smaller tissue volume creates less scatter radiation

What is the simplest reason for not using a grid on elbow or forearm exams

Small body part and low exposure factors

If you see fat pads displaced on a lateral elbow image what could that indicate,

A possible subtle fracture of the elbow joint

If the elbow cannot be fully extended and is partially flexed how do you position the arm

Take one image with the humerus parallel and one with the forearm parallel to the IR

When pronating the hand what happens to the radius and ulna,

The radius crosses over the ulna

When supinating the hand what happens to the radius and ulna,

They lie parallel to each other

When the hand is pronated the radius crosses which bone,

The ulna

When taking the lateral elbow or forearm how much flexion is ideal,

90 degrees

What type of positioning term is used for a lateral oblique

External rotation

What type of positioning term is used for a medial oblique

Internal rotation

For a lateral elbow how are the epicondyles positioned

Superimposed on top of each other

For an AP elbow how are the epicondyles positioned,

Parallel to the IR and in profile

What should be included in all lateral forearm and elbow images

Posterior fat pads and soft tissue

If fat pads are clipped on a lateral elbow what does that mean,

The image must be repeated because critical anatomy is missing

What is the reason we can see Colles' and Smith's fractures on forearm images

Because both fractures occur at the distal radius which is included in the forearm views

For the Coyle's method of the radial head which direction do you angle the CR,

Toward the shoulder

For the Coyle's method of the coronoid process which direction do you angle the CR

Away from the shoulder

If the patient's elbow is flexed beyond 90° is that acute or extended flexion

Acute

If the patient's elbow is straight or extended what degree of flexion is that,

Zero degrees

If fat pads are visible on a lateral elbow image what pathology might be suspected,

A fracture or joint effusion

What does the term "acute flexion" mean in elbow positioning

The elbow is bent tightly so the forearm touches the upper arm

What is the common mAs and kVp for all forearm and elbow projections

2@60

What is the best projection to evaluate for hidden fractures using fat pads

Lateral elbow

What term describes when the radius crosses over the ulna

Pronation

What is another term for internal oblique

Medial rotation

What is another term for external oblique

Lateral rotation