2022-2023

School of Radiography

Routine Radiographic
Procedure Manual

412-777-6210

25 Heckel Road
Kennedy Township, PA 15136

HeritageValley.org
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Upper Limb Projections 1

A. Bone age 1
B. Elbow 1
C. Finger 1
D. Forearm 1
E. Hand 2
F. Hand, attention finger 2
G. Humerus 2
H. Wrist 2

II. Shoulder Girdle Projections 3

A. Acromio-clavicular joints 3
B. Clavicle 3
C. Scapula 3
D. Shoulder 3&4

III. Lower Limb Projections

A. Ankle 5
B. Femur 5
C. Foot 5
D. Foot, weight-bearing 5
E. Knee 6
F. Knee, weight-bearing 6
G. Lower leg 6
H. Os Calsis 6

IV. Hip Joint and Pelvic Girdle 7

A. Hip 7
B. Pelvis 7
C. Pelvis, inlet/outlet, Ferguson method 7
D. Pubic bone (anterior pelvic bones) 7

V. Chest Projections 8
A. Chest, routine 8
B. Chest, decubitus 8
C. Chest, asbestosis screening 8
D. Chest, portable 8
E. Chest, recumbent 8
F. Chest, stretcher 8
G. Chest, wheelchair 8

VI. Bony Thorax Projections 9

A. Ribs 9
B. Sternoclavicular joints 9
C. Sternum 9
VII. Spine Projections 10
A. Cervical 10
B. Cervical, flexion and extension 10
C. Coccyx 10
D. Lumbar 10
E. Lumbar, flexion and extension 11
F. Sacroiliac joints 11
G. Sacrum 11
H. Scoliosis study 11
I. Thoracic 11

VIII. Skull, Sinuses, and Salivary Gland Projections 12

A. Facial bones 12
B. Mandible 12
C. Mastoids 12
D. Nasal bones 13
E. Optic foramen 13
F. Orbits 13
G. Paranasal sinuses 13
H. Petrous pyramids 13
I. Salivary glands 14
J. Temporomandibular joints 14
K. Skull 14
L. Zygomatic arches 14

IX. Abdominal Projections 15

A. Abdomen 15
B. Abdominal series 15
C. Abdomen, for aneurysm 15
D. Abdomen, for foreign bodies 15
E. Abdomen, for renal calculi 15

X. Fluoroscopy 16
A. Barium enema, double contrast (air) 16
B. Barium enema, single contrast 17
C. Esophogram (barium swallow) 17
D. Modified Barium Swallow 17
E. Small bowel study 17-18
F. UGI 18
G. UGI/small bowel study 18-19
XI. Miscellaneous 20
A. Bone survey 20
B. Pelvimetry 20
C. Tomograms 20
D. Soft tissue neck 20
 UPPER LIMB PROJECTIONS

A. BONE AGE

1. PA right hand, including wrist 10x12

2. PA left hand, including wrist 10x12

B. ELBOW

For pathology:
1. AP & lateral 10x12

For trauma:
1. AP & lateral 10x12
2. AP medial & lateral obliques 10x12

- Comparison: AP & lateral projections for patients 21 years of age or younger

- If patient can only partially extend elbow, do AP partial flexion of distal
humerus & AP partial flexion of proximal forearm
- If patient’s elbow is acutely flexed, do AP projection of distal humerus in acute
flexion
- Special radial head projection:
1. Pt. in lateral elbow position
2. C.R. angled 45 degrees toward shoulder, entering area of radial head
- Special olecranon process projection: See Merrill’s

C. FINGER (if ordered finger only)

1. PA, PA oblique & lateral 8x10

- three projections done of affected finger only

- Coned down to include entire finger & metacarpophalangeal joint
- All three projections done on one 8 x 10 cassette, crosswise

D. FOREARM

1. AP & lateral 14x17

- Include both joints

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E. HAND

1. PA & PA oblique 10x12

2. Fan Lateral 8x10

- Rechecks: do full hand routine

- Comparison: PA & Fan lateral done on patients 3 yrs of age and younger

F. HAND, ATTENTION FINGER

- Do all three projections of the entire hand

- Do coned down lateral projection of affected finger only to include entire

finger and metacarpophalangeal joint

- PA & oblique both done on one 10x12

- Fan lateral hand and lateral finger done on 8x10 cassette

G HUMERUS

1. AP 14x17
2. Lateral 14x17

For trauma:
1. AP 14x17
2. Transthoracic lateral 14x17

- Include both joints on all projections

H. WRIST

1. PA, PA oblique, & lateral 10x12

- Comparison: PA & lateral on patients 16 yrs of age & younger

- If carpal tunnel is indicated, do tangential projection
- If navicular is questioned, do navicular view (Stecher)

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 SHOULDER GIRDLE PROJECTIONS

A. ACROMIO-CLAVICULAR JOINTS

1. AP without weights (bilateral) 14x17 or (2) 10x12's

2. AP with weights (bilateral) 14x17 or (2) 10x12's

- Must be done erect

- Use 72"SID
- Mark films appropriately (with or without weights)

B. CLAVICLE

1. AP 10x12
2. AP axial 10x12

- Angle 15 - 30 degrees cephalad for axial projection (thin patients require more
of an angle)
- Comparison: AP & AP axial on patients 16 years of age and younger

C. SCAPULA

1. AP 10x12
2. Lateral 10x12

- Comparison: AP & lateral on patients 16 years of age and younger

D. SHOULDER

1. AP internal rotation 10x12

2. AP external rotation 10x12
3. Y-lateral 10x12

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SHOULDER, CONTINUED

Fracture:
1. AP, as is 10x12
2. Transthoracic lateral 10x12
3. Y-lateral (for dislocation) 10x12
4. Axillary 8x10

- Comparison: AP internal and external rotation on patients 16 years of age and

younger UNLESS dislocation is demonstrated or suspected. If dislocation
is demonstrated or suspected, also do comparison Y- lateral projection.

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 LOWER LIMB PROJECTIONS
A. ANKLE
1. AP & medial oblique 10x12
2. Lateral 8x10

- Comparison: AP and lateral projections done on patients 16 years of age and

younger
- Recheck: AP & lateral only

B. FEMUR

1. AP upper 14x17
2. AP lower 10x12
3. Frog lateral upper 10x12
3. Lateral lower 14x17

- Include both joints

- Be sure to overlap
- Comparison: AP & lateral done for patients 16 years of age or younger

C. FOOT

1. AP & medial oblique 10x12

2. Lateral
- additional lateral toe, if indicated

- No separate toes to be done on AP & Oblique (if toes are indicated)

- Comparison: AP & lateral done on children 3 years of age and younger
- Rechecks: do full foot routine

D. FOOT, WEIGHT-BEARING
1. AP 10X12
2. Lateral 10X12

Weight Bearing Composite Method for Foot

10X12

- AP requires two projections. The first is done with tube in front of the patient
with a CR angle of 15 degrees toward the tarsals. The second projection is
made on the same cassette. The patient is instructed not to move the foot.
The tube is positioned behind the patient with a CR angle of 25 degrees

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 toward the toes. The CR enters the posterior aspect of the ankle exiting at
the level of the lateral malleolus.

E. KNEE

1. AP 10x12
2. AP axial (Tunnel) 10x12
3. Lateral 10x12
4. Tangential patella (if pain or injury to patella) 8x10

- Comparison: AP & lateral 18 years of age and younger

F. KNEE, WEIGHT-BEARING

1. AP erect (bilateral) 14x17

2. AP axial (Tunnel) of affected knee only 10x12
3. Lateral of affected knee only 10x12

G. LOWER LEG

1. AP 14x17
2. Lateral 14x17

- Include both joints

- No comparisons

H. OS CALSIS

1. Axial plantodorsal 8x10

2. Lateral 8x10

- Plantodorsal - CR forms a 40 degree angle with the long axis of the foot

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 HIP JOINT AND PELVIC GIRDLE

A. HIP

1. AP of affected hip 10x12

2. AP oblique of femoral neck (frog) 10x12

HIP- Trauma

1. AP of affected hip- as hip lies

2. Cross-table lateral of hip

- If patient has hip prosthesis, all of pin must be included

- Recheck after hip surgery: do AP and lateral only

B. PELVIS

1. AP 14X17
2. AP oblique (Frog) 14X17

- Femora abducted 45 degrees from vertical for frog

C. PELVIS, INLET/OUTLET, FERGUSON VIEW

1. AP pelvis with CR angled 30 degrees cephalad 14X17

D. PUBIC BONES (ANTERIOR PELVIC BONES)

1. AP 8X10
2. AP axial 8X10

- For males: angle CR 20 - 35 degrees cephalad (steeper angle for steeper pelvic
tilt due to pronounced lordotic lumbar curve)
- For females: angle CR 30 - 45 degrees cephalad (steeper angle for steeper pelvic
tilt due to pronounced lordotic lumbar curve)

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 CHEST PROJECTIONS

A. CHEST, ROUTINE
1. PA 14x17
2. Left lateral 14x17

B. CHEST, DECUBITUS
1. AP or PA projections done with pt in decubitus positions 14x17

- elevate thorax on sponge to include all anatomy of “side down”

usually done bilaterally, however follow physician’s order

C. CHEST, ASBESTOSIS SCREENING

1. PA 14x17
2. PA oblique in RAO position 14x17
3. PA oblique in LAO position 14x17
4. Left lateral 14x17

- Check films with radiologist

D. CHEST, PORTABLE
1. AP 14x17

- Done either erect or supine -- do not do semi-erect

E. CHEST, RECUMBENT
1. AP 14x17

- Use maximum SID obtainable

F. CHEST, STRETCHER
1. AP 14x17
2. Left lateral 14x17

G. CHEST, WHEELCHAIR

1. AP erect 14x17
2. Lateral erect (if possible) 14x17

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 BONY THORAX PROJECTIONS

A. RIBS

1. AP 14x17
2. AP oblique projection, pt. in RPO position 14x17
3. AP oblique projection, pt. in LPO position 14x17

- Should be done prone if injury is anterior

- For upper ribs, take exposure after full inspiration
- For lower ribs, take exposure after full expiration
- Include PA projection of chest if physician orders, ribs with chest
- Include PA & lateral projection if physician orders, ribs with 2view chest

B. STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINTS

1. PA 8x10
2. PA oblique projection, pt. in RAO position 8x10
3. PA oblique projection, pt. in LAO position 8x10

- Pt. rotated 10 - 15 degrees for obliques (demonstrates joint closest to film)

C. STERNUM

1. Left lateral 10x12

2. PA oblique projection, pt. in RAO position 10x12
3. PA oblique projection, pt. in LAO position 10x12

- Pt. Rotated 15 - 20 degrees for obliques

- Use breathing technique for oblique projections

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 SPINE PROJECTIONS

A. CERVICAL

1. Lateral 10x12
2. PA oblique, RAO position (erect) 10x12
3. PA oblique, LAO position (erect) 10x12
4. AP 8x10
5. Open mouth (odontoid) 8x10

-Lateral and obliques done using 72” SID

-Do Swimmer’s (only if needed for C-7)
-Do Fuch’s or Judd (only if needed for odontoid process)

B. CERVICAL, FLEXION & EXTENSION

1. Lateral in hyperflexion 10x12

2. Lateral in hyperextension 10x12

-Often done with routine cervical spine study

C. COCCYX

1. AP axial 8x10
2. Left Lateral 8x10

-Angle CR 10 degrees caudad for AP axial

D. LUMBAR

1. AP 14x17
2. AP axial sacrum 10x12
3. AP oblique in RPO position 14x17
4. AP oblique in LPO position 14x17
5. Left lateral 14x17
6. L5/S1, “spot” 8x10

-Patient rotated 45 degrees for obliques

-Thick elastic around waist should be removed

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E. LUMBAR, FLEXION/EXTENSION

1. Lateral in hyperflexion 14x17

2. Lateral in hyperextension 14x17

-Do in upright bucky, if ordered erect

-Sometimes done with full lumbar spine study

F. SACROILIAC JOINTS

1. AP axial sacrum 10x12

2. AP oblique in RPO position 8x10
3. AP oblique in LPO position 8x10

-Angle CR 15 degree cephalad for AP axial

-Patient rotated 25-30 degrees for obliques

G. SACRUM

1. AP axial 10x12
2. Lateral 10x12

-Angle CR 15 degrees cephalad for AP axial

H. SCOLIOSIS STUDY

1. Erect PA of thoracic & lumbar spine 14x17

2. Left erect lateral of thoracic & lumbar spine 14x17

-Include all of thoracic & lumbar spine

-May need to use additional cassettes
-If a complete spine is ordered, all views are taken of each area
-In pediatric cases, PA and laterals only may be accepted. check with radiologist

I. THORACIC SPINE

1. AP 14x17
2. Left lateral 14x17
3. Swimmer’s 10x12

-Utilize breathing technique for lateral

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 SKULL, SINUSES, & SALIVARY GLANDS

A. FACIAL BONES

1. AP axial, Townes 10x12

2. PA 10x12
3. PA axial, Caldwell (15 degree caudad CR angle) 10x12
4. Parietoacanthial, Waters 10x12
5. Erect parietoacanthial, Waters 10x12
5. Recumbent lateral 10x12
6. Erect lateral 10x12

B. MANDIBLE

1. AP axial, Townes 10x12

2. PA 8x10
3. Right axiolateral oblique 8x10
4. Left axiolateral oblique 8x10

- CR angle of 25 degrees cephalad for axiolateral obliques

C. MASTOIDS

1. AP axial, Townes 10x12

2. PA 8x10
3. Right and left axiolateral oblique, Stenvers 8x10
4. Right and left axiolateral oblique, Laws (or Shullers) 8x10

- If patient isn’t allergic to tape, taping auricles forward for Stenvers and Laws
will result in better film
- Stenvers: Pt prone or erect; rest head on forehead, nose & cheek; MSP forms 45
degree angle to film; CR is 12 degrees cephalad entering 3- 4" posterior and 1/2"
inferior to upside EAM
- Laws: Pt in RAO or LAO position; head in true lateral; rotate MSP 15 degrees
toward table; CR angled 15 degrees caudad entering 2" posterior
and 2"superior to upside EAM

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D. NASAL BONES

1. PA 8x10
2. Parietoacanthial, Waters 8x10
3. Right and left laterals 8x10

- All projections coned

E. OPTIC FORAMEN
- Done same as orbits

F. ORBITS

1. PA 8X10
2. Parietoacanthial 8x10
3. Right parieto-orbital (Rhese) 8x10
4. Left parieto-orbital (Rhese) 8x10
5. Lateral of affected side 8x10

- Rhese: Pt prone or erect; rest nose, cheek, & chin on table; AML perp to table;
MSP forms 53 degree angle to table; CR perpendicular entering 1"
uperior & 1" posterior to upside TEA
- Optic canal should lie in outer lower quadrant of “side down” orbit

G. PARANASAL SINUSES

1. PA, Caldwell 8x10

2. Parietoacanthial, Waters 8x10
3. Lateral of affected side 8x10
4. SMV 8x10

- All projections done erect

- Not all projections done on children 6 years of age and younger, check with
radiologist

H. PETROUS PYRAMIDS

1. Right and left Mayers 8x10

2. Right and left Stenvers 8x10
3. Right and Left Schullers 8x10
4. SMV
- refer to Merrills

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I. SALIVARY GLANDS

1. For Parotid glands:

1. PA, soft tissue 8x10

2. Lateral, soft tissue 8x10
3. Axiolateral oblique for mandibular ramus 8x10

- Use contrast if doing Sialogram and do PA & lateral

2. For Submaxillary and Submandibular glands:

1. PA 8x10
2. Axiolateral oblique mandibles 8x10

- Refer to Merrills

J. TEMPOROMANDIUBLAR JOINTS

1. Right axiolateral with mouth open 8x10

2. Right axiolateral with mouth closed 8x10
3. Left axiolateral with mouth open 8x10
4. Left axiolateral with mouth closed 8x10

- CR angle 25 degrees cephalad, entering upside gonion

- When mouth is open mandibular condyle will be OUT of mandibular fossa
- Mark films as open or closed

K. SKULL

1. AP axial, Townes 10x12

2. PA 10x12
3. Parietoacanthial, Waters 10x12
4. Recumbent lateral of unaffected side 10x12
5. X-table lateral of affected side

L. ZYGOMATIC ARCHES
1. AP axial, Townes 10x12
2. Parietoacanthial, Waters 8x10
3. Tangential Projection 8x10
- can be done superior-inferior or inferior-superior 8x10

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 ABDOMINAL PROJECTIONS
A. ABDOMEN

1. AP 14x17

- Include from diaphragms to base of bladder

B. ABDOMINAL SERIES:

1. AP abdomen, supine 14x17

(to include from diaphragm to base of bladder)
2. AP abdomen, erect 14x17
(to include diaphragm on both sides)
3. Left lateral decubitus 14x17 grid
(to include diaphragm on both sides)

- Include projections of chest only if specified on physician’s order

- All projections should be taken after expiration
- Free air is best demonstrated if pt. lies on left side 15 minutes prior to exam
- If abdomen is ordered erect, do full abdominal series

C. FOR ANEURYSM:

1. AP abdomen, supine 14x17

2. Lateral abdomen 14x17

D. FOR FOREIGN BODIES:

1. AP & lateral chest

2. AP & lateral abdomen

- All artifacts should be removed (pins, snaps)

- Nasopharynx to pubis should be included on films
- Do chest & abdomen on one image if possible

E. FOR RENAL CALCULI:

1. KUB 14x17
2. AP bladder, if needed 10x12

- Be sure to include from top of kidneys to base of bladder

- Should be done after expiration

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 FLUOROSCOPY
- Fluoro is done with the digital camera in C-room
- Overhead projections for UGIs and esophagrams are not always required by
the radiologist

*Radiologists may vary fluoroscopic procedures, according to their preference

A. BARIUM ENEMA, DOUBLE CONTRAST (AIR)

1. AP abdomen (survey) 10x12

- Connect air tubing and pump

- Enema tip inserted
- Digital fluoroscopy done by radiologist

Images taken:
2. AP 14x17
- take AP high crosswise, if needed 14x17
3. AP oblique with patient in LPO position 14x17
4. AP oblique with patient in RPO position 14x17
5. Right lateral 14x17
6. Right lateral decubitus 14x17 (grid)
7. Left lateral decubitus 14x17 (grid)
8. PA 14x17
9. AP angled sigmoid 14x17
10. Cross-table lateral rectum (ventral decubitus position) 14x17 (grid)
-enema tipped removed

B. BARIUM ENEMA, SINGLE CONTRAST:

1. AP abdomen (survey) 14x17

- Use powdered barium mixed with 1500CC of cold water

- Enema tip inserted
- Digital fluoroscopy done by radiologist

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 BARIUM ENEMA, SINGLE CONTRAST, CONTINUED

Images taken:
2. AP 14x17
- take AP high crosswise, if needed 14x17
3. AP oblique with patient in LPO position 14x17
4. AP oblique with patient in RPO position 14x17
5. Right lateral 14x17
6. PA 14x17
7. AP sigmoid 14x17
- Enema tip should be removed before patient gets off table
8. AP abdomen, post evacuation 14x17

C. ESOPHAGRAM (BARIUM SWALLOW)

- Use thick (E-Z-HD Barium) & thin (E-Z Paque Barium)

- Some radiologists use air crystals
- Barium tables sometimes used

- Pt. usually started in erect position

-Overheads that may be taken while the patient drinks barium include:
1. PA esophagus (coned) 14x17
2. PA oblique of esophagus (coned) pt. in RAO position 14x17
3. PA oblique of esophagus (coned) pt. in LAO position 14x17
4. Lateral esophagus (coned) 14x17

D. MODIFIED BARIUM SWALLOW (COOKIE SWALLOW)

- done in conjunction with Speech Pathologist

- video camera used

E. SMALL BOWEL STUDY

1. AP abdomen survey 14x17

- Pt. drinks Ultra-R Barium Sulfate Suspension mixed with water

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SMALL BOWEL STUDY, CONTINUED

- Timed images:
0 minute
15 minute
30 minute
1 hr

-Always check with radiologist after each image is taken

- Ultra-R is powdered and must be mixes with H2O

F. UGI

1. AP abdomen, survey 14x17

2. Table put in erect position, patient in upright position
3. Radiologist gives pt. air crystals
4. Digital fluoro taken with pt. drinking thick Ba
5. Table then placed horizontal, pts. rolls
6. Pt. drinks thin Ba while in RAO position

Images that may be taken upon radiologist’s request:

1. AP 14x17
Centered slightly above crest to include fundus of stomach
2. Rt. lateral 10x12
3. PA oblique with pt. in RAO position 10x12

- Thick barium is E-Z-HD Sulfate Suspension

- Thin barium is E-Z Paque Barium Sulfate Suspension

G. UGI/SMALL BOWEL
- Follow UGI routine
- After UGI, pt. drinks Ultra-R
- Take timed AP abdomen for Immediate image and then 30 minutes and
then take a projections every 1 hour until Barium reaches the ileocecal
valve

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UGI/SMALL BOWEL, CONTINUED

Timed overheads:

0 minute
15 minute
30 minute
1 hr

- Check all timed images with radiologist

- AP and AP oblique spot images of the TI spots may be done using the
compression paddle

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MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTIONS

A. BONE SURVEY

1. PA skull 10x12
2. Lateral skull 10x12
3. AP thoracic spine 14x17
4. Lateral thoracic spine 14x17
5. AP lumbar spine 14x17
6. Lateral lumbar spine 14x17
7. AP pelvis 14x17
8. AP bilateral femora 10x12 & 14x17
9. AP bilateral humeri 14x17
10. AP bilateral ribs 14x17

B. SOFT TISSUE NECK

1. AP 10x12
2. Lateral 10x12

- Instruct patient to inhale a steady stream of air through nose while projection is
imaged

C. Contra-Lateral

The following exams and ages of patients require comparison or “Contra-lateral”

projections:

Hand -3 yrs of age and younger (PA & lateral)

Wrist -16 yrs of age and younger (PA & lateral)
Ankle -16 yrs of age and younger (AP & lateral)
Shoulder -16 yrs of age and younger (AP internal & external, unless
dislocation is demonstrated or suspected, then comparison Y-lateral also)

Scapula -16 yrs of age and younger (AP & lateral)

Clavicle -16 yrs of age and younger (AP & AP axial)
Femur -16 yrs of age and younger (AP & lateral)
Knee -18 yrs of age and younger (AP & lateral)
Elbow -21 yrs of age and younger (AP & lateral

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412-777-6210

25 Heckel Road
Kennedy Township, PA 15136

HeritageValley.org