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Sunday, 3 July 2022

Radiographic Positioning, Its Terminologies and Importance

Radiographic Positioning, Its Terminologies and Importance

Radiographic positioning


An Introduction to Radiology

The hidden world inside human bodies may be seen in an unsurpassed way thanks to modern medical imaging technology. The conventional X-ray, however, continues to be a vital tool because of how affordable, simple, and accessible it is.

A receptor is exposed to X-rays using a tube. The bodily component being examined is positioned in between the x-ray tube and the receptor. Depending on their consistency, various body tissues absorb the x-ray to varied degrees.

As a result, a "shadow" is created and turned into an image.

The importance of radio-graphic positioning in radiography

High-quality radiography depend on proper positioning during the radiography process. Learn why.

Radio-logic specialists understand the value of perspective, much like an expert photographer taking a shot in the Arctic Circle.

On a flat surface, they employ it to give the appearance of three dimensionality.

The human brain quickly determines which things are farther or closer away from the viewer based on visual cues.

Radiologists can more easily see the various body tissues and find diseases when they use deliberate radiography placement.

Radiographic Positioning: 

The radiographic position enables the viewer to describe the radiograph in terms of the relationship between the positions of the anatomical entities on it. Even in veterinary medicine, this is crucial.

A common anatomical position can help to ensure that the body is described using a common language. Imagine someone standing tall, their arms extended, and their palms facing ahead.

In light of this, the term "posterior" designates the body's back half. A structure is said to be anterior if it is located nearer the front of the body. Your nose's tip, for instance, is in front of your head's back.

It is believed that anatomically superior structures are those that are located farthest from the tips of your toes. Being in a lower position is the definition of inferior.

Structures that are lateral and distal diverge from the middle. Proximal and medial ones remain in the centre.

Projection radiographic

The x-passage ray's through the body at what angle and in what direction determines the final image.

Anteroposterior (AP) projections are those that travel from the front of the body to the back of the body. PA forecasts should, logically, do the reverse. Lateromedial and oblique projections, respectively, are those that move from side to side or diagonally.

What Positions on a radiograph Are the Most Vital?

The ideal radiographic position and projection should be chosen based on a number of parameters.

Before placing the X-ray order, take into account:

The patient is who?

How do they show themselves?

What is the differential diagnosis?

Are there any unique circumstances? (Pregnancy, disability, etc.)

What tools are at your disposal?

 Radiographic Positioning:

To explain how a patient should be positioned for different radiographs, radiographic positioning terminology is frequently used. Regarding the anatomic position, standard nomenclature is used.

Terminologies:

Basic relational terminologies:

Anterior refers to the body's front (Latin: before)

Posterior refers to the body's back (Latin: after)

Superior nearer the top of the body is superior (Latin: above)

Inferior refers to a part of the body that is lower (Latin: below)

Medial is toward the midline (Latin: middle).

  • In contrast to median, which is in the midline rather than towards the midline, 

Lateral the midline is absent (Latin: side)

Proximal refers to being close to the body's core (Latin: near)

Distal refers to being outside of the body's centre (Latin: far)

Deep is away from the body's surface 

superficial is toward the body's surface.

Ipsilateral On the same side of the body 

Contralateral is on opposite site of the body

Planes:

Axial plane The body is divided into superior and inferior halves by the axial plane (also known as the transverse or transaxial plane), which is a horizontal plane perpendicular to the body's long axis.

vertical plane parallel to the median plane is known as the sagittal plane (or midsagittal plane)

splits the body in two, with the right half and left half.

Coronal plane, which is a vertical axis that is parallel to the median plane

makes the body's front and posterior sections distinct.

Positions:

Distal: The body part closest to its root.
Proximal: The body away from its root.
Superior: The body part closest to head.
Inferior: The body part closest to feet.
Medial: the body part closest to midline.
Lateral: The body part away from midline.
upright body postures: either seated or standing
Decubitus:  resting on one's back
Supine: lying on one's back
Prone: Lying one's face down
 Trendelenburg position: The patient is in the prone posture, with the head lower than the feet. The right side of the body should touch the cassette while laying face-down in lateral decubitus.
Lateral decubitus : Lying on one side
  • Left lateral: The cassette is touched on the left.
  • Right lateral: The cassette is touched on the Right side.

Movement:

Flexion: Decrease the angle between joint.

Extension: Increase the angle between joint.

Adduction: Bringing the limb towards midline.

Abduction: Bringing the limb away from midline.

Pronation is the movement of the hand and forearm to bring the palm of the hand facing the back.

Supination is the movement of the hand and forearm to bring the palm of the forearm facing the front.

 Circumduction is the circular movement of a joint using a combination of flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction such that the distal limb descends.

Opposition: bringing the thumb to oppose a different digit

Reposition: moving the thumb back to its anatomical place; elevating the scapula;

Depression: depressing the scapula or lowering a body part.

Elevation: moving the scapula superiorly or raising  a body part.

Eversion is  the foot's sole movement  away from the median plane.

Inversion is the movement of the foot's sole toward  the median plane.

Protrusion is the anterior movement of the tongue, lips, or jaw.

Retraction is the posterior movement of the tongue, lips, or jaw.

Projections:

Anteroposterior (AP): central ray passes, perpendicular to the coronal plane, from anterior to posterior

 Postero-anterior (PA): central ray passes, perpendicular to the coronal plane, from posterior to anterior

  • Depending on the anatomic segment to be radiographed, synonyms can be used, for example: Dorso-ventral (thorax), occipito-frontal (skull), and dorso-palmar (hand) 
lateral: The central ray is perpendicular to the sagittal plane and parallel to the coronal plane.

Oblique: The central ray enters the body/body part by a plane that is at an angle to the transverse plane

 Axial: In some instances, the central ray runs through (or parallel to) the long axis of the body; in other instances, it runs through (or parallel to) the long axis of the skeletal segment under study (for example, the axial view of the calcaneus).

A chest X-ray

One of the most often requested medical treatments is a chest x-ray. They may exhibit symptoms of many different diseases, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), lung cancer, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure.

When lung or heart illness is suspected, doctors frequently order PA and lateral chest x-rays. Keeping track of both of these can be quite helpful in ensuring good follow-up.
On film, the PA projection makes the patient appear to be facing you. Your left side will be their right side. Because two structures that are "behind" one another may superimpose on a PA view and become indistinguishable, a lateral view is helpful.

For a variety of reasons, an AP chest x-ray is often less helpful. Because of the larger heart, it is more challenging to see the pulmonary structures. Additionally, the mediastinum is bigger. All of this adds up to the lungs looking underinflated.

In this picture, the pulmonary vasculature is likewise enlarged, giving the appearance of an interstitial infiltrate.

X-rays of the abdomen

Radiography can reveal symptoms of intestinal blockage caused by a variety of factors. AP and PA can be combined, especially with obese people.

Although abdominal radiographs are occasionally requested, it is important to keep in mind that they should not be used in place of a full medical history and physical examination and that there may be a better imaging study available for these patients.

X-rays of the shoulders

In a small space, the shoulder joints are made up of a variety of bones, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other systems. X-rays of the shoulders are frequently requested in conjunction with CT or MRI scans. Patients with suspected trauma, shoulder pain, arthritis, or movement restrictions can benefit from this.

The glenohumeral joint, clavicle, superior ribs, and proximal humerus may all be seen well in the AP view. Any potential shoulder dislocation is best seen in the lateral view.

Some trauma victims need additional shoulder x-ray views. The modified trauma axial projection is one that is frequently used in these patients.

Radiology Continuing Education

Like the great majority of medical disciplines, radiography is a sector that is constantly changing and is very competitive.

It's possible that lessons from ten years ago are now out of date.

Seeking to advance your knowledge and skills through continuing education is the best method to stay proficient in your field and enhance the care you give to your patients. Through these courses, you can obtain CE and CME credits and even take online exams for X-ray, CT, MRI, and other imaging modalities.

Putting Everything Together

When selecting the best radiographic setting for each patient, there are always a few considerations to keep in mind. This will rely on the specifics of your patient, including their age and body type, their state right now, the area of the body that has to be assessed, and the accessibility of imaging modalities at your medical facility.

Knowing radiographic positions is something you should always do. They might mean the difference between getting a critical diagnosis right or wrong.

If you're interested in developing your radiology expertise further, get in touch with us. All levels can choose from a wide variety of options and discounts.

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