King Skull
This portion of the skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum
What is the axial skeleton?
For a PA projection of the hand, the CR is directed perpendicular to the IR at this joint.
What is the third metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint?
For an AP projection of the toes, the CR is directed to this joint of the digit.
What is the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint?
For a PA chest, the central ray (CR) is directed to this anatomical landmark.
What is the T7 vertebra / inferior angle of the scapula?
This projection of the cervical spine demonstrates the zygapophyseal joints.
What is the lateral cervical spine?
This projection best demonstrates the odontoid process through the open mouth.
What is the AP open mouth (Odontoid) projection?
Which projection of the wrist best demonstrates the scaphoid bone with minimal superimposition?
What is the PA axial (Stecher method)?
This projection of the foot demonstrates the longitudinal arch and is performed with the CR angled 10 degrees toward the heel.
What is the AP axial (weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing) projection of the foot?
This chest projection is preferred because it positions the left lung closest to the image receptor, reducing magnification of the heart.
What is the left lateral chest?
For the oblique cervical spine, the CR is angled 15–20° cephalad for AP and 15–20° caudad for PA to demonstrate these openings.
What are the intervertebral foramina?
The central ray (CR) for an AP axial skull (Towne method) is angled this many degrees caudad to the OML.
What is 30 degrees caudad to the OML?
(or 37° to the IOML if that line is used)
In the lateral projection of the elbow, this bony structure appears centered and partially superimposed over the coronoid process.
What is the radial head?
For a lateral ankle projection, the CR is directed to this specific point to visualize the ankle joint space.
What is the medial malleolus?
To best demonstrate the anterior ribs above the diaphragm, this projection is performed with the patient upright, arms at the sides, and full inspiration.
What is the PA chest projection?
When performing a lateral lumbar spine projection, the CR is centered at this level, and correct rotation is verified when these structures are nearly superimposed.
What is L3–L4, and the posterior margins of the vertebral bodies and nearly superimposed greater sciatic notches?
The lateral projection of the skull primarily demonstrates this cranial suture and both orbital roofs superimposed.
What are the sagittal suture and superimposed orbital roofs?
For an AP humerus projection, the hand should be positioned in this way to place the humeral epicondyles parallel to the image receptor.
What is supinated (palm up)?
The intercondylar fossa of the femur is best visualized using these specialized knee projections.
What are the Camp-Coventry and Holmblad (or PA axial) projections?
The RAO sternum projection requires the patient to rotate approximately this many degrees from the table or upright position to free the sternum from the vertebral shadow.
What is 15–20 degrees?
The “Scotty dog” appearance is seen on this projection of the lumbar spine, and it helps assess this specific pathology.
What is the oblique lumbar spine projection and spondylolysis (defect in the pars interarticularis)?
To best demonstrate the zygomatic arches bilaterally, this projection uses an IOML parallel to the IR and the CR perpendicular to enter midway between the arches.
What is the SMV (submentovertex) projection of the zygomatic arches?
The Grashey method is used to obtain a true AP projection of this joint, demonstrating the joint space without superimposition.
What is the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint?
When performing a Frog-Leg lateral projection of the hip on a non-trauma patient, proper positioning requires abducting the femur this amount from vertical to clearly visualize the femoral head and neck without foreshortening.
What is approximately 45 degrees?
For a soft tissue neck (AP or lateral) to evaluate airway obstruction, the exposure technique must be adjusted because the air-filled trachea and soft tissue have low contrast. This adjustment often involves:
What is using lower kVp and slow inhalation?
During a lateral L5–S1 “spot” projection, the CR should be angled 5–8° caudad and centered 2 inches posterior to the ASIS and 1½ inches inferior to this landmark.
What is the iliac crest?