Coccyx AP
Position the Patient
- Supine
- Legs extended
- Mid-sagittal plane centered to IR
Words That Work
“Lie flat on your back with your legs straight and your toes pointing up. Keep your hips level and don’t let your body roll. I’ll angle the X-ray beam slightly toward your feet so the bones in front of your pelvis don’t cover your tailbone. Take a breath in, breathe all the way out, and hold it.”
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AP coccyx - tube angle setup
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- 2" superior to pubic symphysis; 10° caudal
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Coccyx region
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 70-80 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Coccyx superimposed by pubic symphysis (incorrect 10° caudal CR angle)
- •Rotation
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Coccyx free of superimposition
- Coccygeal segments
Does the image pass?
- ✓Coccyx not superimposed by pubic symphysis
- ✓No rotation
- ✓Sharp bony detail