refers to the study of patient positioning performed for radiographic
demonstration or visualization of specific body parts on image receptors (IRs)
radiographic positioning
image of a patient’s anatomic part(s), as produced by the action of xrays on an IR.
radiograph
process and procedures of producing a radiograph
radiography
device that captures the radiographic image that exits the
patient; refers to both film-screen cassettes and digital acquisition devices
image receptor (IR)
center most portion of x-ray beam emitted from the x-ray tube; the
portion of the x-ray beam that has the least divergence
central ray (CR)
four common planes used in medical imaging
sagittal plane
coronal plane
horizontal plane
oblique plane
five general functions in radiographic examination
- Positioning of body part and alignment with the IR and CR
- Application of radiation protection measures and devices
- Selection of exposure factors (radiographic technique) on the control panel
- Instructions to the patient related to respiration (breathing) and initiation of the x-ray
exposure - Processing of the IR
Reference position that defines specific surfaces and planes of the body
anatomic position
longitudinal plane that divides right and left parts, also called median plane
sagittal
longitudinal plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts
coronal
longitudinal or transverse plane that is at an angle or slant and is not parallel to the sagittal, coronal, or horizontal plane
oblique plane
transverse plane that passes through the body at right
angles to a longitudinal plane, dividing the body into superior and inferior portions
horizontal (axial) plane
Term that is used to indicate the patient’s general physical position, such as supine, prone, recumbent, or erect
position
Correct positioning term that describes or refers to the path or direction of the CR, projecting an image onto an IR
projection
This is not correct positioning term in the US
view
This term should be “restricted to discussion of the path of the central ray”
projection
Used to describe specific body positions by the body part closest to the IR, such as lateral and oblique
position
Describes the body part as seen by the IR or other recording medium
view
In the US, this term should be “restricted to discussion of a radiograph or image”
view
This term should be “restricted to discussion of the patient’s physical position”
position
common projection terms
- Posteroanterior (PA) projection
- Anteroposterior (AP) projection
- AP oblique projection
- PA oblique projection
- Mediolateral and lateromedial projection
general body positions
- Supine
- Prone
- Erect
- Recumbent
- Trendelenburg
- Fowler’s
- Sim’s position
specific body positions
- Lateral position
- Oblique position
- Left and right posterior oblique (LPO & RPO) positions
- Left and right anterior oblique (LAO &RAO) positions
- Decubitus position
- Left or right lateral decubitus positions – AP or PA projection
- Dorsal decubitus position – L or R lateral
- Ventral decubitus position – L or R lateral
