Positioning Terminology
Decubitus
lying down, especially in a bed; lateral decubitus is lying on the side (decumbo = to lie down)
Supine
lying face upward
PROJECTION: AP (Antero-Posterior)
The central ray enters the anterior surface and exits the posterior surface. (Anatomy placed with back against the IR)
PROJECTION: PA (Postero-Anterior)
The central ray enters the posterior surface and exits the anterior surface. (Anatomy placed with chest against the IR)
Axiolateral
Upright no rotation = ramus 30° toward IR = body 45° = mentum 10-15° = general CR: 25° cephalic from IPL.
Oblique plane
at an angle or slant and is NOT parallel to the sagittal, coronal, or horizontal planes
Sim's
on the left side with the right knee drawn up toward the chest, left arm is positioned along patient's back.
Tangential
peripheral; only slightly connected; digressing
Fowler's
position with the person lying on his or her back with the head of bed elevated about 45 to 60 degrees.
Superoinferior axial
...
Horizontial (axial) plane
...is any transverse plan that passes through the body at right angle to a longitudinal plane. It divides the body into superior and inferior parts
Coronal plane
(AKA Frontal plane) longitudinal plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.
Left Lateral
(toward the patients left side), left side directly against the image receptor, the central ray enters the right side of the right side of body.
Transthoracic
A unique lateral projection goes through chest, demonstrates proximal humerus and glenohumeral joint.
AP Oblique Projection
An AP projection of the upper or lower limb that is rotated, ex; central ray enters anterior exists posterior through a limb that is rotated (either medially or laterally). (MUST INCLUDE QUALIFYING TERM AS TO DIRECTION OF ROTATION)
Anatomic Position
Anatomic Position Palms Forward / Upright/Supine
AP or PA axial
Any angle of the CR of 10 degrees or more along the long axis of the body or body part.
Plantodorsal (PD)
CR path from the plantar surface to the dorsal surface
PA Oblique Projection
Central ray enters posterior surface and exits anterior surface through a limb that is ratted (medially or laterally).
Projection
Direction or path of CR of the x-ray beam
Sagittal plane
Longitudinal plane that divides the body into equal right and left parts.
Recumbent
Lying down in any position
Lateral Projections (2)
Mediolateral projection of the ankle and lateromedial projection of the wrist
Right Posterior RPO
Patient erect, facing the CR, rotated 45 degrees with right posterior shoulder against IR, right arm resting on head, and left arm on hip
Trendelenburg
Patient is laying (on back) with feet at a 45 degree angle above the head.
Right Lateral
Patient lying on the right side on x-ray table with the tube overhead and film under the patient
Lordotic
Position in which the patient leans backward, while in the upright body position, so that only the shoulders are in contact with the IR
Dorsoplantar (DP)
Projection in which the central ray shoots through the top side of the foot (dorsum) and out the bottom (plantar) side.
Left Posterior LPO
Situation: A patient is erect with the back to the image receptor. The left side of the body is turned 45 degrees toward the image receptor. What is this position?
Left Anterior LAO
The left anterolateral surace of the body is closest to the film
Right Anterior RAO
The right anterolateral surface of the body isclosest to the film.
Prone
face down
Inferosuperior axial
projection that centers to axilla and humeral head
Dorsal
toward the back
Ventral
toward the front
Erect
upright
Lateral Oblique
variation of a side-lying position; on side with top leg placed in 30 degrees of hip flexion and 35 degrees of knee flexion; used for hip fractures
