1.6 Chap 5

Essential Forearm Projections

• Routine: 2 Views (AP and Lateral)

AP Forearm

• Patient Position:
  • Seated close to the table, extremity in the same plane.
  • Elbow extended, hand supinated.
  • Humeral epicondyles equidistant from IR.
  • Forearm aligned with IR's long axis.
• Part Position: Perpendicular to IR.
• Central Ray (CR): Midpoint of forearm.
• Collimation: 2 inches (5 cm) distal to the wrist, proximal to the elbow, and 1 inch (2.5 cm) on sides. 14x17 LW
• Image Evaluation:
  • Entire forearm, wrist, distal humerus, and proximal carpal bones visible.
  • Slight superimposition of radial head, neck, and tuberosity over ulna.
  • No elongation/foreshortening of humeral epicondyles.
  • Partially open elbow joint.
  • Open radioulnar space.
  • Bony trabecular detail and soft tissues.

Lateral Forearm

• Patient Position:
  • Seated close to table, upper extremity in same plane, forearm on ulnar surface.
  • Elbow flexed 90 degrees.
  • Thumb side up (lateromedial).
  • Ulnar and radial styloid processes superimposed.
  • Long axis parallel with IR.
• Part Position: Perpendicular to IR.
• Central Ray (CR): Midpoint of forearm.
• Collimation: 2 inches (5 cm) distal to the wrist and proximal to the elbow and 1 inch (2.5 cm) on the sides. 14x17 LW
• Image Evaluation:
  • Entire forearm, wrist, and distal humerus in true lateral position.
  • Superimposition of:
    • Radius and ulna (distal end).
    • Radial head over coronoid process.
    • Humeral epicondyles.
  • Radial tuberosity facing anteriorly.
  • Bony trabecular detail and soft tissues.

General

• 14x17LW
• 40” SID
• Collimate 1” to skin line on sides to include entire forearm and proximal row of carpals.
• Patient seated at the end of the radiographic table, low enough to place the entire arm parallel to the IR.