Elbow External Oblique
Position the Patient
- Seated at table
- Extend arm fully
- Supinate hand
- Rotate arm laterally (external) 45°
Words That Work
“Straighten your arm on the table with your palm facing up. Keeping your elbow straight, I’ll roll your whole arm outward—like rolling a log—until it is halfway between flat and on its side. This separates the two bones near your elbow so we can see the outer side of the joint more clearly. Hold still.”
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External oblique elbow positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- Mid‑elbow joint
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Distal humerus to proximal forearm
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 60-65 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Incorrect rotation angle (not 45° external)
- •Radial head not free of ulna
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Radial head
- Radial neck
- Capitulum
Does the image pass?
- ✓45° external rotation shown
- ✓Radial head free of ulna
- ✓Distal humerus and proximal forearm included