Radiographic Positioning: Radiographic Positioning of the Thoracic Spine

DORSAL SPINE (THORACIC)

ROUTINE POSITIONS: AP
Lateral
Breathing Lateral
Swimmer's View

AP
1. 14 X 17 films
2. Patient supine
3. Bucky
4. 40" SID
5. Central Ray: perpendicular to film
6. Place top of film 2" above shoulder.
7. Center tube to film
8. Suspend respirations

LATERAL
1. 14 X 17 films
2. Patient placed in left lateral position.
3. Bucky
4. 40" SID
5. Central Ray: perpendicular to film
6. Center at T7
7. Suspended respiration

BREATHING LATERAL
1. 14 X 17 films
2. Patient placed in left lateral position.
3. Bucky
4. 40" SID
5. Central Ray: perpendicular to film
6. Center at T7
7. Taken while patient taking rapid respiration during exposure time.

SWIMMER'S VIEW
1. 10 x 12 film
2. Patient in left lateral position.
3. Patient's dependent arm should be in front of him and his top arm should be bent at the elbow with his hand on his hip and his shoulder rotated back.
4. Bucky
5. 40" SID
6. Central Ray: centered to C6-C7
7. Angle caudal as needed.