Femur Lateral
Position the Patient
- Supine
- Turn patient toward affected side
- Flex knee slightly
- Femur in true lateral
- Support ankle as needed
- Take two images if the femur does not fit on one (proximal and distal)
Words That Work
“Roll onto your affected side so the outside of your leg rests against the board. Bend your knee slightly—only as far as is comfortable—and hold your leg still. I may need a second image to cover the requested area of your thigh and include your knee.”
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Lateral femur - proximal (hip included)
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- CR to mid‑femur
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Entire femur including hip and knee
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 70-80 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Femur not in true lateral (condyles not superimposed)
- •Both joints not included
- •Rotation
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Entire femur
- Hip joint
- Knee joint
- Patella in profile
Does the image pass?
- ✓Femur in true lateral
- ✓Condyles superimposed
- ✓No rotation