Hand/Wrist
Why is it recommended that the PA oblique (with medial rotation) projection be performed rather than the PA oblique (with lateral rotation) for the second digit of the hand?
Minimizes object image–receptor distance (OID).
What action will lead to the proximal radius crossing over the ulna?
Pronation of the hand
A nonvisible posterior fat pad on a well-exposed, correctly positioned lateral elbow radiograph generally suggests:
negative study for injury.
Which evaluation criterion indicates that the humerus was properly positioned for the AP projection?
The humeral head and greater tubercle are both seen in profile
To demonstrate the greater tubercle of the humerus on an AP projection of the shoulder, the epicondyles must be
parallel with the plane of the IR.
A patient arrives in radiology with a metal foreign body in the palm of the hand. Which of the following hand routines should be performed on this patient to confirm the location of the foreign body?
PA and lateral in extension projections
A lateral forearm radiograph demonstrates the elbow flexed 90-degrees, and the distal radius anterior to the ulnar head. What positioning error most likely occurred?
The patient’s wrist was under rotated
Which routine projection of the elbow best demonstrates the radial head and tuberosity free of superimposition?
AP oblique with external rotation
Where is the central ray directed for an AP projection of the humerus?
Midpoint of the humeral shaft
For an AP projection of the shoulder, the central ray should enter
1 inch (2.5 cm) inferior to the coracoid process.
How much CR angulation to the long axis of the hand is required for the tangential, inferosuperior projection to demonstrate the carpal sulcus (canal)?
25 to 30 degrees
A patient enters the ED after sustaining a fall and injuring the left forearm. Which projection will demonstrate anterior displacement of the fractured segment?
lateral
A radiograph of the elbow demonstrates the radius directly superimposed over the ulna and the coronoid process in profile. Which projection of the elbow has been performed?
Medial (internal) rotation oblique
The shallow depression, located on the posterior surface of the distal humerus, receives which process when the elbow is extended?
Olecranon process
When the arm cannot be rotated or abducted due to injury, which projection can be performed to demonstrate a lateral projection of the shoulder?
Transthoracic lateral projection
A patient enters the ED with a possible Bennett’s fracture. Which of the following routines should be performed to confirm this diagnosis?
Thumb
What is the joint classification of the proximal radioulnar joint?
pivot
How is an AP projection of the elbow displayed in PACS?
Humerus at the top of the image and the part in anatomical position
What positioning maneuver places the humerus in a lateral position?
Internally rotating the hand and upper limb
For the PA oblique projection (scapular Y) of the shoulder, the body is rotated so that the midcoronal plane is how many degrees from the IR?
45 to 60°
A radiograph of a PA oblique of the hand reveals that the midshaft of the fourth and fifth metacarpals is superimposed. What specific positioning error has been committed?
Excessive rotation of the hand and/or wrist laterally
What ulnar structure is shown in profile on a lateral projection of the forearm?
olecranon process
An AP projection of the elbow demonstrates slight superimposition of the proximal radius and ulna. What positioning error most likely occurred?
There is no positioning error
A patient presents to the ED for AP and lateral projections of the right humerus after injury. The lateral projection demonstrates technologist clipped the elbow joint due to OID with the patient’s arm in sling. What positioning adjustment can the technologist make to ensure the entire humerus is included on the repeat image?
Turn the patient to face the IR and place the humerus closer
How far should the arm be abducted for an inferosuperior projection (Lawrence) of the shoulder joint?
90 degrees