Forearm AP
Position the Patient
- Seated at table
- Extend arm fully
- Place forearm on IR
- Hand supinated (palm up)
- Ensure wrist and elbow are in the same plane
Words That Work
“Place your entire arm flat on the table and straighten it as much as is comfortable. Turn your palm toward the ceiling, like you’re balancing a ball in your open hand. Keep your shoulder, elbow, and wrist at the same level, and hold still.”
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AP forearm positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- Mid‑forearm
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Entire forearm including wrist and elbow joints
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 60-65 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Wrist or elbow joint not included
- •Rotation (radius and ulna not parallel)
- •Hand not fully supinated
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Radius and ulna
- Proximal and distal joints
- Soft tissue outlines
Does the image pass?
- ✓No rotation (radius and ulna parallel)
- ✓Wrist and elbow included
- ✓Joint spaces visible