ChestAnkleFemurFootKneeTib-FibToesClavicleElbowFingerForearmHandHumerusShoulderThumbWristThoracic Spine
Thoracic Spine Lateral
Position the Patient
- Upright or lateral recumbent
- Arms raised forward
- Shoulders perpendicular to IR
- Mid-coronal plane centered to IR
Words That Work
“Stand with your left side against the board—like posing for a profile picture. Raise both arms forward and up, as if reaching toward a high shelf. This moves your arms and shoulders away from your upper spine. Keep your shoulders and hips stacked without leaning or twisting. Breathe all the way out, hold it, and stay still.”
1 of 2
Lateral thoracic spine positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- T7
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- C7-L1
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 80-95 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Rotation
- •Arms not raised (superimposing the spine)
- •Vertebral bodies not clearly seen
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- C7-L1 vertebrae (12 thoracic bodies) visible
- Intervertebral spaces
- Posterior ribs
Does the image pass?
- ✓Vertebral bodies clearly seen
- ✓No rotation
- ✓Sharp posterior rib margins