Elbow Study

AP Projection

1. Seat the patient near the table and low enough to place the shoulder join, humerus, and elbow joint in the same plane;
2. Extended the elbow;
3. Supinate the hand (prevent rotation of the bones of the forearm).

Central ray perpendicular to the elbow joint.

Evaluation criteria:

• Radial head, neck and tuberosity slightly superimposed over the proximal ulna;
• Elbow joint open and centered to the central ray;
• No rotation of the humeral epicondyles;
• Appropriate exposure values (visualization of the all bony trabeculation and soft tissue).

Lateral projection

1. Seat the patient at the end of the table low enough to place the humerus and elbow joint in the same plane;
2. Flex the elbow 90º;
3. Adjust the hand in the lateral position and ensure that the humeral epicondyles are perpendicular to the plane of the IP.

Central ray perpendicular to the elbow joint.

Evaluation criteria:

• Open elbow joint centered to the central ray;
• Elbow flex 90º;
• Superimposed humeral epicondyles;
• Radial head partially superimposing the coronoid process;
• Olecranon process seen in profile;
• Appropriate exposure values (visualization of the all bony trabeculation and soft tissue).