Protocol Image Standards
Protocol Image Standards
MEDICAL CENTER
One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001
www.dhmc.org
DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY
DIAGNOSTIC SECTION
DIGITAL IMAGE
STANDARDS
FOR
ROUTINE RADIOGRAPHY
Gerald J. Bergen, RT (R)
© 2005 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center The contents of DHMC's Digital Image Standards for Routine
Radiography may not be reproduced without permission, but we are usually able - and happy - to extend
such permission.
GJB
Preface
Image Orientation
Image Sequencing
Routine Projections/Positions
Positioning, Centering and Collimation
Asterisk after
projection/position indicates
routinely acquired when exam
requested.
Imaging Terminology
CONTENTS
AREA EXAM PROJECTION/POSITION PAGE
Asterisk (*) indicates routine view
ABDOMEN Abdomen AP Supine * 1
Abdomen Series AP Supine * 1
AP Erect * 1
Left Lateral Decubitus (done if AP Erect not possible) 1
Abd. for N-G Tube AP Supine * 2
Acute Abd. Series AP Supine * 2
AP Erect * 2
Left Lateral Decubitus (done if AP Erect not possible) 2
PA Erect Chest * 2
KUB AP Supine * 2
EXTREMITIES - Ankle AP Standing * 3
LOWER 15-20° Int Oblique (Mortise) Standing * 3
Lateral Standing * 3
Tibio-calcaneal (Morrey) View 3
Femur AP * 3
Lateral * 3
Foot Dorsoplantar Standing * 4
(if Brodens requested - Dorsoplantar Oblique Standing * 4
see Subtalar Joint) Lateral Standing * 4
Tangential Sesamoid 4
Talar Neck (Canale View) 4
Hip AP Pelvis * 5
Frog Lateral * 5
Cross-Table Lateral (routine if Frog not appropriate) 5
AP With Magnification Marker 5
False Profile 6
Clements-Nakayama (routine for post-op THR) 6
Knee Bilateral AP Standing * 6
Lateral * 6
Axial (Sunrise) 7
Tunnel 7
Internal Oblique 7
External Oblique 7
Schuss (Bilateral Standing PA Flexed) 7
Standing Alignment AP Standing * 8
Leg (Tibia/Fibula) AP * 8
Lateral * 8
Leg Length Bilat AP Ankles/Knees/Hips * 9
Os Calcis Plantodorsal Semi-axial Standing (Harris)* 9
Lateral Standing* 9
Patella PA * 10
Lateral * 10
Axial (Sunrise) * 10
30° - 60° - 90° Bilateral Axials (Sunrises) 10
Pelvis AP * 10
Total Hip Replacement (THR) AP 11
Judet Views 11
Inlet/Outlet Views 11
Subtalar Joint Broden Series 12
Toes Dorsoplantar * 12
Dorsoplantar Oblique * 12
Lateral * 12
EXTREMITIES A-C Joints Bilat AP Erect Without Weights * 13
UPPER Bilat AP Erect With 10 lb Weights * 13
Clavicle AP or PA * 13
AP 30° Cephalic Angle * 13
Elbow AP * 13
Lateral * 14
Externally Rotated Oblique * 14
Cubital Tunnel (PA axial) 14
Finger PA, Oblique and Lateral * 14
Forearm AP * 15
Lateral * 15
Hand PA * 15
PA Oblique * 15
Lateral * 16
Noorgaard (Ballcather's) routine for arthritis 16
Brewerton (AP flexed) 16
Humerus AP * 16
Lateral * 16
Scapula AP * 17
Lateral * 17
Shoulder AP Oblique External Rotation * 17
AP Internal Rotation * 17
Scapular "Y" View * 17
Axial (Axillary) * 18
Velpeau (Trauma) Axillary 18
Arch (Supraspinatus Outlet) View 18
Stryker Notch 18
S-C Joints PA Obliques (RAO and LAO) * 18
Wrist PA * 19
PA Oblique * 19
Lateral * 19
Navicular routine for trauma 19
Carpal Tunnel 19
HEAD/NECK Cochlear Implant Axiolateral Obl (Stenvers or Arcelin)* 20
Eyes - Pre MRI Waters Views Eyes Up/Down * 20
Facial Bones PA Erect * 20
Waters Erect * 20
60° SMV Erect * 20
90° SMV Erect * 21
Lateral Erect * 21
Mandible PA * 21
Bilateral Obliques * 21
Mastoids Towne * 21
Bilat Axiolateral (Law) * 22
Bilat Axiolateral Obl (Stenvers) * 22
Nasal Bones Waters Erect * 22
Lateral * 22
Neck - soft tissue AP * not routine for adenoid size 22
Lateral * 22
Optic Foramen Rhese * 23
Orbits PA Erect with 15° Caudal Angle * 23
(if Pre MRI - see Waters Erect * 23
Eyes-Pre MRI)
Lateral * 23
Petrous Ridges Bilat Axiolateral Oblique (Stenvers) * 23
SMV * 23
PA with 15° Caudal Angle * 24
Towne * 24
Sella Turcica Lateral * 24
PA with 10° Cephalic Angle 24
Sinuses PA Erect With 15° Caudal Angle * 24
Open Mouth Waters Erect * 24
Lateral Erect * 25
Skull PA * 25
Towne * 25
Left and Right Laterals * 25
T-M Joints Open & Closed Axiolaterals (Law) * 26
Towne * 26
Zygomatic Arches Waters Erect * 26
SMV * 26
SPINES Cervical Spine AP * 27
AP Open Mouth * 27
Lateral * 27
Swimmers routine if C7-T1 not seen on Lateral 27
Obliques routine for non-trauma - omit Open Mouth 27
Flexion Lateral 28
Extension Lateral 28
Thoracic Spine AP * 28
Breathing Lateral * 28
Lumbar Spine AP * 29
Lateral * 29
L5, S1 Lateral Spot * 29
L5, S1 AP Spot (Ferguson's View) 29
Obliques 29
Flexion and Extension Laterals 30
Sacrum AP With 15° Cephalic Angle * 30
Lateral * 30
Coccyx AP With 10° Caudal Angle * 30
Lateral * 30
S-I Joints AP Sacrum With 15° Cephalic Angle * 30
25-30° Obliques * 31
Scoliosis Study PA Standing at 72" SID * 31
Lateral Standing at 72" SID 31
Lateral Bending Standing at 72" 31
Exam Page
BONE AGE 35
LEAD INGESTION 35
PRE E.C.T.SPINES 35
SHUNT SERIES 35
ABDOMEN
Abdomen
AP Supine *
R
Abdomen Series
AP Supine *
AP Supine *
Hemidiaphragms aligned to image center to maximally
visualize thorax and abdomen.
Carina visible at top of image.
If N-G tube not visible or not in proper position, notify
requesting clinician.
Spine aligned to image midline.
No evidence of rotation.
R
Acute Abdominal Series
AP Supine *
AP Supine *
2
EXTREMITIES - LOWER
Ankle
AP Weight Bearing *
Ankle joint open except near fibula.
Distal 1/4 of tibia/fibula visible.
Medial and lateral malleoli visible.
"STANDING" annotation visible (if applicable).
L STANDING
Femur
AP *
Most of femur and joint nearest area of interest to be
included - a second image to include opposite end is to be
done if femur not imaged in its entirety.
Femoral neck visible without foreshortening.
Gonadal shielding evident.
Demonstrate complete orthopedic device if present.
L L
Lateral*
Most of femur and joint nearest area of interest to be
included - a second image to include opposite end is to be
done if femur not imaged in its entirety.
Greater trochanter superimposed over femoral neck.
Space between distal femur and patella open.
Gonadal shielding evident.
Demonstrate complete orthopedic device if present.
L L
3
Foot
Tangential Sesamoid
Sesamoid bones free of superimposition with 1st metatarsal.
Sesamoid bones uppermost in image.
L
4
Hip
5
False Profile
Anterior acetabular surface visible.
Greater trochanter superimposed over femoral neck.
Lesser trochanter visible.
Acetabulum and femur free of superimposition from soft
tissue of contra lateral thigh.
Femur aligned with vertical center of image.
If requested with magnification marker, marker is to be in
transverse alignment with greater trochanter and central ray.
Also, proximal 12 inches of femur visualized.
R
Knee
Lateral *
Knee joint aligned to center line of image.
Superimposed femoral condyles evident.
Space between distal femur and patella open.
Knee joint flexed 20° to 30°.
Distal 1/4 of femurs and proximal 1/4 of tib/fib visible.
Any orthopedic device seen in its entirety.
L
6
Axial (Sunrise)
R BILATERAL L
Tunnel
Internal Oblique
External Oblique
7
Knee (Standing) Alignment
R L
Leg (tibia/fibula)
AP *
Lateral *
8
Leg Length (Orthoroentgenography)
Os Calcis (calcaneus)
9
Patella
PA *
Patellar edges not to extend beyond edge of femur.
Patella in center of image.
Knee joint including proximal fibula included.
Tibia and femur aligned to vertical center of image.
L
Lateral *
Axial (Sunrise)*
Pelvis
AP Pelvis * (If recent fx evident, include AP CXR and
include AP entire affected femur if hip fx'd)
Entire iliac bones visible.
Spine and pubic symphysis aligned with image midline.
Lower extremities internally rotated to prevent
foreshortening of femoral neck.
Greater trochanter prominently demonstrated.
Obturator foramina equal in size and shape.
Any orthopedic device seen in its entirety.
R
10
Total Hip (THR) AP *
Inlet View
No rotation as evident by the ischial spines fully
demonstrated and equal in size.
All of pelvic ring (inlet) including S-I joints and pubic
symphysis visible.
Spine and pubic symphysis aligned with vertical center
of image.
Outlet View
No rotation as evident by obturator foramina and
bilateral ischia equal in size and shape.
Inferior and superior pubic rami and ischia rami
demonstrated with minimal foreshortening or
superimposition.
Spine and pubic symphysis aligned with vertical center
of image.
R
11
Subtalar Joint
Broden Series with 10°, 20°, 30° and 40° Cephalic Angles
R 30 DEGREES R 40 DEGREES
Toes
Dorsoplantar *
Lateral *
12
UPPER EXTREMITIES
Acromio-Clavicular Joints
Clavicle
AP or PA *
Entire clavicle visible.
At least half of the clavicle free of superimposition from ribs.
Clavicle aligned to horizontal center of image.
R
13
Elbow
AP *
Lateral *
14
Forearm
AP *
Lateral *
R
Hand
PA *
PA Oblique *
Include wrist and distal ends of radius and ulna.
Fingers extended so interphalangeal joint spaces are open
and phalanges are not foreshortened.
2nd and 3rd metacarpals free of overlap and minimal overlap
of 3rd through 5th metacarpals.
No soft tissue overlap from adjacent fingers.
Hand aligned to vertical center of image with fingers
uppermost.
R
15
Lateral *
Include wrist and distal ends of radius and ulna.
Phalanges individually demonstrated on fan lat.
2nd to 5th metacarpals superimposed.
2nd to 5th metacarpals in alignment with long axis of radius.
Distal radius and ulna superimposed.
Hand aligned to vertical center of image with fingers
uppermost.
R
Humerus
AP *
Lateral *
16
Scapula
AP *
Lateral *
R
Shoulder
AP Internal Rotation *
L
17
Axial (Axillary) View *
Shoulder joint space open.
Inferior and superior rim of glenoid fossa superimposed.
A-C joint demonstrated through humeral head.
Humerus aligned to horizontal image center.
Anterior surface uppermost (coracoid process projected
upward)
L
Stryker Notch
R
Sternoclavicular (S-C) Joints
18
Wrist
PA *
Distal ulna and radius and proximal 2/3 of
metacarpals visible.
3rd metacarpal in alignment with long axis of radius.
No rotation of wrist evident.
Ulna/radius and metacarpals aligned to vertical center of
image with metacarpals uppermost.
R
PA Oblique *
Distal ulna and radius and the proximal 2/3 of the
metacarpals visible.
3rd metacarpal in alignment with long axis of radius.
Navicular well demonstrated.
Ulna/radius and metacarpals aligned to vertical center of
image with metacarpals uppermost.
R
Lateral *
Distal ulna and radius and the proximal 2/3 of
metacarpals visible.
Shafts of distal ulna/radius superimposed.
2nd to 5th metacarpals superimposed.
2nd to 5th metacarpals in alignment with long axis of radius.
Anterior pisiform edge midline between anterior surfaces of
navicular and capitate.
Ulna/radius and metacarpals aligned to vertical center of
R image with metacarpals uppermost.
Carpal Tunnel
Anterior portions of trapezium, navicular tuberosity, capitate,
hamate hook, triquetrum and all of pisiform visible.
Anterior wrist surfaces uppermost.
19
HEAD / NECK
Cochlear Implant
R
Eyes - Pre MRI
Waters View - *
Lateral Erect *
Frontal sinuses, all of sella turcica visible.
No evidence of head rotation visible.
If not done erect, lateral must be exposed with beam
projected horizontally.
Facial Bones
R
Waters Erect (Parietoacantheal Projection) *
Entire frontal and maxillary sinuses, margin of both orbits
and zygomatic arches visible.
Petrous ridges projected immediately below maxillary
sinuses.
No evidence of head rotation visible.
Nasal spine aligned to vertical center of image.
R
20
Lateral Erect *
Frontal sinuses, all of mandible and sella turcica visible.
No evidence of head rotation visible.
If not done erect, lateral must be exposed with beam
projected horizontally.
R
Mandible
PA (Nose/forehead position) *
Entire mandible visible
No evidence of head rotation visible.
R
Bilateral Oblique (Axiolateral Projection) *
Mandibular condyle to symphysis menti visible.
Condyle not superimposed by cervical vertebra.
Angle of opposite side slightly above coronoid process of side
closest to imaging plate/detector
L
Mastoids
Right
21
L
Nasal Bones
Waters Erect (Parietoacantheal Projection) *
Entire frontal and maxillary sinuses, margin of both orbits
and zygomatic arches visible.
Petrous ridges projected immediately below maxillary
sinuses.
No evidence of head rotation visible.
Nasal spine aligned to vertical center of image.
R
Lateral Erect *
L
Neck - soft tissue
Lateral *
L
22
Optic Foramen
L
Orbits
SMV *
23
PA with 15° Caudal Angle (Modified Caldwell) *
R
Sella Turcica
Lateral *
Sella turcica not rotated.
Anterior and posterior clinoid processes superimposed.
Sella turcica in center of image.
R
Sinuses
R
Open Mouth Waters Erect *
Entire frontal and maxillary sinuses and margin of both
orbits visible.
Petrous ridges projected immediately below maxillary
sinuses.
No evidence of head rotation visible.
Nasal spine aligned to vertical center of image.
Sphenoid sinuses visualized through the open mouth.
R
24
Lateral Erect *
R
Skull
PA (no angle) *
25
Temporomandibular Joints
L open
Towne *
Mandibular rami and condyles visible bilaterally.
No evidence of head rotation visible.
R
Zygomatic Arches
Waters Erect *
SMV *
26
Spines
Cervical Spine
AP Open-Mouth *
C1 and most of C2 including odontoid process visible within
open mouth.
Inferior margins of upper teeth and base of skull
superimposed.
No evidence of rotation.
If open-mouth AP unsuccessful, then a Fuchs Method or
R
"Wagging" jaw maneuver is to be done.
Lateral *
All seven cervical vertebrae visible including articulation with
T1. A separate radiograph of cervicothoracic region
(Swimmers) is required if C7-T1 articulation not visualized.
Sella turcica included to insure visualization of clivus (area
between dorsum sellae and foramen magnum).
Air filled Pharynx and trachea visible.
No evidence of rotation.
L
27
Obliques (AP or PA) *routine for non trauma - omit Open Mouth
Intervertebral foramina from C1-2 to C7-T1 open. (PA
oblique demonstrates those closest to detector and AP oblique
those farthest from detector)
Intervertebral disc spaces open.
Mandible and occipital bone not to overlap C1 and C2.
R L
Flexion Lateral
Extension Lateral
L
Thoracic Spine
AP *
Vertebrae C7 to L1 visible.
No evidence of rotation.
Spine aligned to vertical midline of image.
Lateral *
28
Lumbar Spine
AP or PA *
Lateral *
L5, S1 Lateral Spot * (omit if image essentials listed below are visible
on lateral lumbar spine)
RPO LPO
29
Flexion and Extension Lateral
L L
Flex Extend
Sacrum
Lateral *
L
Coccyx
Lateral *
L
Sacro-iliac Joints
AP Sacrum with 15° Cephalic Angle *
Portion of L5 vertebra to coccyx visible.
SI joints visible.
No evidence of rotation.
L Sacrum centered to midline of image.
30
25° to 30° RPO and LPO *
R
Scoliosis Study
31
Thorax
Chest (lungs)
L
PA Erect at 72" S.I.D. *
L
R
AP Supine or Semi-erect at 48" S.I.D. (only if upright not possible)
Entire lung fields from apices to both costophrenic angles
visible.
No evidence of rotation.
No blurring of heart or diaphragm.
Thorax aligned with image midline.
Annotation must be visible stating position and SID.
Lateral Decubitus
32
AP Lordotic
L
Sternum
Lateral
33
Ribs
AP or PA *
AP or PA Oblique *
R
L
34
SURVEY EXAMS
Exam PROJECTION/POSITION
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS PA/Lat Chest (p. 32)
SCREENING AP Pelvis (p. 10)
Lateral Cervical Spine (p. 27)
Lateral Lumbar Spine (p. 29)
BONE AGE PA Left Hand and Wrist single image (p. 15)
CHILD ABUSE (Trauma X) Towne, AP, Waters and Lateral Skull (p. 20, 25)
AP and Lateral Cervical Spine (p. 27)
Lateral Lumbar Spine (p. 29)
AP, RPO, LPO and Lateral chest (rib technique) (p. 32)
AP Abdomen including Pelvis (p. 1)
AP Femurs (separate images) (p. 3)
AP Lower Legs (separate images) (p. 8)
AP Feet (separate images) (p. 4)
AP Humeri (separate images) (p. 16)
AP Forearms (separate images) (p. 15)
PA Hands including wrists (p. 15)
LEAD INGESTION Bilateral AP knees (p. 6)
METASTATIC or AP and Lateral Skull (p. 25)
DYSPLASIA SURVEY for AP and Lateral Cervical Spine (p. 27)
Child 18 years and younger Lateral Lumbar Spine (p. 29)
AP and Lateral chest (rib technique) (p. 32)
AP Abdomen including Pelvis (p. 1)
AP Femurs (p. 3)
AP Lower Legs (p. 8)
AP and Lateral Feet (p. 4)
AP Humeri (p. 16)
AP Forearms (p. 15)
PA Hands including wrists (p. 15)
METASTATIC SURVEY Lateral Cervical Spine (p. 27)
For Adults Lateral Skull (p. 25)
AP and Lateral Thoracic Spine (p. 28)
AP and Lateral Lumbar Spine (p. 29)
AP Pelvis (p. 10)
AP Femurs (p. 3)
AP Humeri (p. 16)
MYELOMENINGOCELE AND PA Standing or AP Sitting at 72" S.I.D.
MYELODYSPLASIA Lateral Standing or Sitting at 72" S.I.D.
SPINE STUDIES AP Supine at 40" S.I.D.
PRE E.C.T.SPINES Lateral Cervical Spine (p. 27)
Lateral Thoracic Spine (p. 28)
Lateral Lumbar Spine (p. 29)
RHEUMATOID ARTHRISTIS PA, Obl, Lat and Ballcather's Hands/Wrists (pages 15, 16)
SURVEY AP and Lateral Knees (p. 6)
AP Shoulders (p. 18)
AP, Oblique and Lateral Feet Standing (p. 4)
AP and Lateral Ankles Standing (p. 3)
Lateral Cervical Spine (p. 27)
SHUNTOGRAM Scout AP Chest, Neck, Lat Skull single image
WITH CONTRAST Post injection 1, 3, 5, 7 minute images
SHUNT SERIES AP/Lat Skull and Neck
AP/Lat Chest and Abdomen
NOTE: Skull/Neck and Chest/Abdomen images must overlap.
35
Radiographic Positioning Textbooks
Positioning in Radiography
K. C. Clark, M.B.E.
Intercontinental Medical Book Corporation