1. Chest Radiography 🫁
PA (Posteroanterior)
- Patient faces IR (image receptor)
- Shoulders rotated forward
- 72" SID (Source-Image Distance)
- Full inspiration
- Heart appears normal size
AP (Anteroposterior)
- Patient faces tube (supine/mobile)
- 40" SID typically
- Heart appears magnified
- Used for bedridden patients
2. Upper Extremity Positioning 💪
Hand (PA, Oblique, Lateral)
Fingers spread, palm down (PA). 45° rotation (oblique).
Wrist (PA, Lateral, Scaphoid View)
Scaphoid: PA with ulnar deviation to elongate scaphoid bone.
Elbow (AP, Lateral)
AP: Full extension. Lateral: 90° flexion.
Shoulder (AP Internal/External Rotation)
Internal: Lesser tubercle profile. External: Greater tubercle profile.
3. Lower Extremity Positioning 🦵
Knee (AP, Lateral)
AP: Leg extended. Lateral: 20-30° flexion.
Ankle (AP, Lateral, Mortise)
Mortise: 15-20° internal rotation to open joint space.
Foot (AP, Lateral, Oblique)
AP: Dorsiflexed. Oblique: 30-40° medial rotation.
Hip (AP, Frog-leg Lateral)
Frog-leg: Knee flexed, thigh abducted 40-45°.
4. Spine Positioning 🦴
Cervical Spine (AP, Lateral, Open Mouth)
Open Mouth (Odontoid): C1-C2 visualization through open mouth.
Thoracic Spine (AP, Lateral)
Lateral: Breathing technique for ribs, no breathing for vertebrae.
Lumbar Spine (AP, Lateral, Oblique)
Oblique: 45° for "Scotty Dog" appearance (pars interarticularis).
💡 Positioning Mnemonics
- ✓ Scotty Dog: Nose=Transverse process, Eye=Pedicle, Ear=Superior articular process, Neck=Pars, Front leg=Inferior articular process
- ✓ Minimum 2 views at 90° angles for fractures
- ✓ Always include joint above and below for long bones