Elbow Projections

Capitulum, medial trochlea, and trochlear sulcus

What three anatomic structures form the three concentric arcs on a lateral elbow projection with accurate positioning?

The elbow joint

___________________ is at the center of the exposure field on an AP Elbow projection.

profile

For an AP Elbow projection, the medial and lateral epicondyles are demonstrated in _____________.

capitulum; Ulna; Elbow joint

For an AP Lateral Oblique Projection: The radial head and ________________ are in profile. _____________ is demonstrated without radial head, neck, and tuberosity superimposition. __________________ is at the center of the exposure field.

profile; elbow joint

On a Lateral Elbow projection the radial tuberosity is not demonstrated in ____________, and the __________________ is at the center of the exposure field.

trochlear sulcus, capitulum, & medial trochlea

On a Lateral Elbow projection, the distal humerus demonstrates three concentric arcs. These arcs are formed by the _________________, __________________, & __________________

anterior

On a Lateral Elbow projection, the elbow joint is open, and the distal and _______________ surfaces of the radial head and the coronoid process are aligned.

radial head

On an AP Elbow projection, 1/8th of the ___________________ superimposes the proximal ulna.

open

On an AP Elbow projection, the elbow joint is __________.

medially

On an AP Elbow projection, the radial tuberosity is in profile _____________, and the radius and ulna are parallel.

The capitulum-radial joint is closed, and the radial articulating surface is demonstrated. If the patient's condition allows, fully extend the elbow. If the patient is unable to extend the elbow, take a second AP projection that is positioned with the forearm aligned parallel with the IR. Both projections should be sent to PACS.

State which anatomic structures are misaligned and how the patient should be repositioned for this AP Elbow projection.

The humeral epicondyles are not in profile, and more than 1/8th of the radial head superimposes the ulna. Externally rotate the elbow until the humeral epicondyles are at equal distances to the IR.

State which anatomic structures are misaligned and how the patient should be repositioned for this AP Elbow projection.

The humeral epicondyles are not in profile, and the radial head demonstrates less than 1/8 inch of superimposition. Internally rotate the elbow until the humeral epicondyles are at equal distances from the IR.

State which anatomic structures are misaligned and how the patient should be repositioned for this AP Elbow projection.

A small portion of the radial head and tuberosity is superimposed over the ulna. Increase the degree of external obliquity until the humeral epicondyles are at a 45-degree angle to the IR.

State which anatomic structures are misaligned and how the patient should be repositioned for this AP Lateral Oblique Elbow projection.

The capitulum-radial head joint is closed, and a small portion of the radial head is superimposed over the ulna. If the patient's condition allows, fully extend the arm, and if the patient is unable to fully extend the arm, position the forearm parallel with the IR. Increase the degree of external obliquity until the humeral epicondyles are at a 45-degree angle to the IR.

State which anatomic structures are misaligned and how the patient should be repositioned for this AP Lateral Oblique Elbow projection.

The radial head is distal and posterior to the coronoid (capitulum is distal and anterior to the medial trochlea), the radial tuberosity is demonstrated anteriorly, and the elbow is not flexed to 90 degrees. Elevate the distal forearm and depress the proximal humerus until the humeral epicondyles are aligned perpendicular to the IR, internally rotate the distal forearm until the wrist is in a lateral position, and flex the elbow to 90 degrees.

State which anatomic structures are misaligned and how the patient should be repositioned for this Lateral Elbow projection.

The radial head is distal to the coronoid (capitulum is anterior to the medial trochlea). Elevate the distal forearm until the humeral epicondyles are aligned perpendicular to the IR.

State which anatomic structures are misaligned and how the patient should be repositioned for this Lateral Elbow projection.

The radial head is proximal and anterior to the coronoid (capitulum is posterior and proximal to the medial trochlea), and the radial tuberosity is visible posteriorly. Depress the distal forearm and elevate the proximal humerus until the humeral epicondyles are aligned perpendicular to the IR and externally rotate the distal forearm until the wrist is in a lateral projection.

State which anatomic structures are misaligned and how the patient should be repositioned for this Lateral Elbow projection.

The radial head is proximal to the coronoid (capitulum is posterior to the medial trochlea), and the radial tuberosity is seen anteriorly. Depress the distal forearm until the humeral epicondyles are aligned perpendicular to the IR, and internally rotate the distal forearm until the wrist is in a lateral projection.

State which anatomic structures are misaligned and how the patient should be repositioned for this Lateral Elbow projection.

1. Superimposed by the radius 2. In profile anteriorly 3. In profile posteriorly

The position of the radial tuberosity on a lateral elbow projection is determined by the position of the hand and wrist. For the following positions, describe the location of the radial tuberosity: 1. Lateral hand and wrist 2. Supinated hand and wrist 3. Pronated hand wrist