Forearm Lateral
Position the Patient
- Seated at table
- Flex elbow 90°
- Place forearm on IR in true lateral
- Thumb up
- Ensure wrist and elbow are in the same plane
Words That Work
“Bend your elbow into an L-shape and rest the pinky side of your forearm and hand on the table. Point your thumb toward the ceiling, like you’re giving a thumbs-up. I’m going to adjust you so your shoulder, elbow, and wrist are at the same height. Keep your hand, wrist, and elbow lined up, and hold still.”
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Lateral 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
- •Radius and ulna not superimposed distally (not true lateral)
- •Wrist or elbow joint cut off
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Radius and ulna superimposed at distal end
- Proximal and distal joints
- Soft tissue outlines
Does the image pass?
- ✓True lateral (distal radius and ulna superimposed)
- ✓Wrist and elbow included
- ✓Joint spaces visible