LATERAL POSITON PATIENT ERECT | SCOLIOSIS SERIES

Scoliotic Deformity X-ray - Lateral View

Structure Shown in erct lateral scoliosis series:

• Spondylolisthesis degree of kyphosis, or lordosis.

Technical Factors:

• Cassette size 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 inches), lenghtwise or 35 x 90 cm (14 x 36 inches film if patient is taller.
• Stationary or moving grid.
• Erect marker
• Use of compensating filters to help obtain a more uniform density along the vertebral column.
• 90 to 100 kV range
• Technique and dose at 60 inches
• mAs 50

Lateral projection using 35 x 90 cm or 14 x 36 inch IR

Shielding:

• Place contact shield or shadow shield over gonads without obscuring area of interest, Use breast shield for younger female patients.

Patient Position:

• Position patient in erect lateral position with arms elevated, or if unsteady, grasping a support in front. The convex side of the curve is positioned against the cassette.

Part Position:

• Place pelvis and torso in as true a lateral position as possible.
• Ensure midcoronal plane is align to body and center of cassette.
• Lower margin of cassette should be 1 to 2 inches below the iliac crest. Determine by cassette size used and patient size.

Central Ray:

• Central ray perpendicular, directed to midpoint of cassette.
• Source to image distance of 40 to 60 inches or 100 to 150 cm; longer SID required in larger image receptor to obtain required collimation.

Collimation:

• Four side of cassette must be collimated to avoid cut-off of area of interest. Use lateral collimation cautiously to prevent vertebral column cutoff.

Respiration:

• Suspend respiration on expiration.

Radiographic Criteria in lateral Scoliosis series:

Lateral Using 35 x 90 cm or 14 x 36 inch IR

Structure Shown:

• Thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are demonstrated in a lateral position.

Position:

• Thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are in as true a lateral position as possible.
• Rotation of pelvis and torso are seen because scoliosis generally is accompanied by twisting or rotation of involved vertebrae.

Collimation and CR:

• Vertebrae column should be in center of collimation field of cassette.
• A minimum of 1 inch or 2.5 cm of the iliac crest should be included.

Exposure Criteria:

• Optimal density and contrast demonstrated lumbar vertebrae and thracic verterbrae.
• A compensation filter is useful for ensuring and even density if a 35 x 90 cm or 14 x 36 inch IR is used.
• Sharp bony margins indicate no motion.