ChestAnkleFemurFootKneeTib-FibToesClavicleElbowFingerForearmHandHumerusShoulderThumbWristThoracic Spine
Thoracic Spine Swimmer's
Position the Patient
- Upright or lateral recumbent
- Arm closest to IR raised
- Opposite arm depressed
- Shoulders separated (one up, one down)
- Head neutral
Words That Work
“Stand with your side against the board. Reach the arm closest to the board above your head and reach your other arm down toward the floor—like you’re paused in the middle of a swimming stroke. This separates your shoulders so we can see where your neck meets your upper back. Keep your head straight and your body in a true side position. Breathe all the way out, hold it, and stay still.”
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Swimmer's thoracic spine positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- C7–T1
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- C5–T3
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 80-90 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Shoulders not separated (one up, one down)
- •C7-T3 region not visible
- •Rotation
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- C7–T3 region
- Upper thoracic vertebrae without shoulder superimposition
Does the image pass?
- ✓Shoulders separated
- ✓C7–T3 visible
- ✓No rotation (vertebral bodies in lateral perspective)