Shoulder, Clavicle, Scapula, AC Joints Positioning

In the radiographic procedure of the acromioclavicular joints, the patient must be in the erect position. This means that the patient should be standing upright or sitting up straight. This position allows for a clear view of the acromioclavicular joints and helps to ensure accurate imaging. The supine position refers to lying flat on the back, while the prone position refers to lying flat on the stomach. Decubitus position refers to lying on the side.

In the AP external rotation projection of the shoulder, the epicondylar plane is parallel to the film surface. This means that the epicondylar plane and the film surface are aligned in the same direction, running parallel to each other.

The correct answer is Lawrence. The Lawrence position refers to the transthoracic projection of the proximal humerus. This position is used to obtain an oblique view of the humeral head and is often used to evaluate possible fractures or dislocations in the proximal humerus.

External rotation will best demonstrate the greater tuberosity of the humerus because it allows for a better view of the lateral aspect of the humerus. The greater tuberosity is located on the lateral side of the humerus, so external rotation will provide a more direct view of this structure compared to the other views listed.

In the AP external projection of the shoulder, the epicondylar plane is parallel to the film surface. This means that the epicondylar plane and the film surface are aligned in the same direction, running parallel to each other.

On the AP semi-axial projection of the clavicle, the central ray is directed 15-20 degrees cephalic. This means that the central ray is angled upward, towards the head, at an angle of 15-20 degrees. This projection is used to visualize the clavicle from a specific angle, allowing for better assessment of any potential fractures or abnormalities. The cephalic angulation helps to separate the clavicle from the superimposed structures and improve image quality.

The patient's arm must be positioned in an abducted position for a good AP projection of the scapula. This means that the arm should be raised away from the body, allowing for a clear and unobstructed view of the scapula. By positioning the arm in this way, the radiographer can obtain a better image of the scapula and surrounding structures.

The transthoracic lateral projection would be used if there was an obvious fracture of the upper humerus. This projection allows for a lateral view of the humerus by positioning the patient with the affected arm against the x-ray cassette and the unaffected arm raised above the head. This position provides a clear view of the fracture site and surrounding structures, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

In the AP internal projection of the shoulder, the greater tuberosity is superimposed over the humerus. This means that the greater tuberosity, which is a bony prominence on the upper end of the humerus, appears directly over the humerus bone in this particular view. It is not seen in profile or at an oblique angle. Therefore, the correct answer is "superimposed over the humerus."

The correct answer is "corocoid process to center of film." The corocoid process is a bony projection on the scapula, located just below the acromion process. When performing an AP shoulder projection, the corocoid process is used as a reference point to ensure proper positioning. By aligning the corocoid process with the center of the film, the resulting image will provide a clear view of the entire shoulder joint. The other options mentioned, such as the acromion process and epicondyles, are not relevant landmarks for this particular projection.

In the anterior posterior axial projection of the clavicle, the angle refers to the angle formed by the clavicle bone. Thinner patients tend to have less soft tissue surrounding the clavicle, which allows for better visualization of the bone. As a result, the angle of the clavicle would appear to increase in thinner patients compared to those with more soft tissue. Therefore, the correct answer is "increase."

The trans-axillary projection of the shoulder involves positioning the patient with their arm abducted and the central ray directed from below the axilla towards the shoulder joint. This direction of the central ray is referred to as inferior-superior, as it travels from a lower point (inferior) to a higher point (superior). This projection allows for visualization of the shoulder joint and surrounding structures from a different angle than other projections, aiding in the diagnosis and evaluation of shoulder conditions.

In the lateral projection of the scapula, the part to film reference is the mid-vertebral border. This means that the mid-vertebral border of the scapula should be aligned with the center of the film. This ensures that the scapula is properly positioned and allows for accurate imaging of the bone. The other options, coracoid process, acromion process, and crest of ileum, are not relevant to the positioning of the scapula in the lateral projection.

The correct answer is inferior-superior. In the transaxillary view of the shoulder, the X-ray beam is directed from below the shoulder (inferior) towards the top of the shoulder (superior). This projection allows for visualization of the shoulder joint and surrounding structures from a different angle, helping to assess for any abnormalities or injuries.

The focal film distance for the acromion-clavicular joints is 72 inches. This means that the distance between the X-ray machine and the film should be 72 inches in order to obtain clear and accurate images of the acromion-clavicular joints. A longer focal film distance helps to minimize distortion and magnification of the joint structures, allowing for better visualization and assessment of any abnormalities or injuries in the area.

The PA (Posteroanterior) projection of the clavicle would be used for the best recorded detail. This projection involves placing the patient in a standing position with the back against the image receptor and the affected side closest to the receptor. The x-ray beam is directed from the posterior aspect of the patient towards the anterior aspect, passing through the clavicle. This projection allows for better visualization of the clavicle and its surrounding structures, providing a more detailed image.

The correct answer is "suspended respiration". This means temporarily stopping or holding the breath during the lateral scapula breathing technique. This technique is often used in certain exercises or movements that target the muscles around the scapula (shoulder blades), and it helps to stabilize and strengthen those muscles. By suspending respiration, it allows for better focus on the movement and engagement of the scapular muscles.

In the posterior anterior projection of the clavicle, the direction of the central ray is caudal. This means that the x-ray beam is angled in a downward direction, towards the feet of the patient. This projection is commonly used to visualize the clavicle bone from the back to the front, allowing for a clear view of any fractures or abnormalities.

On the AP projection of the scapula, the breathing technique would be normal breathing. This means that the patient should breathe in a regular manner without holding their breath or making any forceful exhalations or inhalations. Normal breathing allows for a clear and accurate image of the scapula to be obtained without any distortion caused by breath-holding or excessive movement.