If vertebral column is allowed to sag, it will tilt pelvis in longitudinal plane. Adjust pelvis in true lateral position, with ASIS lying in same vertical plane. Place one knee directly over other knee. Position of part Recumbent position. When patient can be placed in lateral position, center the midcoronal plane of body to midline of grid. Extend thighs enough to prevent femur from obscuring pubic arch. Place support under lumbar spine, and adjust it to place vertebral column parallel with tabletop. Position of patient Place patient in lateral recumbent, dorsal decubitus, or upright position. Have patient suspend respiration for exposure. Purpose and Structures Shown Clear image of lateral pelvis. Lumbosacral junction, sacrum, coccyx, superimposed hip bones, and upper femur. Video Credit : TheXra圜hic Pelvis Lateral Left or Right If pelvis is deep, palpate for iliac crest and adjust position of IR so that its upper border will project 1 to 1.2 inches (2.5to3.8cm) above crest.Ĭentral ray Perpendicular at midline of patient about 2 inches (5cm) inferior to ASIS and 2 inches (5cm) superior to pubic symphysis in average-sized patients. Heels should be placed about 8- 10 inches (20 to24cm) apart. Immobilize legs with sandbag across ankles, if needed. Check distance from ASIS to table top on each side to be sure that pelvis is not rotated. Center IR midway between ASIS and pubic symphysis. Unless contraindicated due to trauma or pathologic factors, medially rotate feet and lower limbs about 15 -20 degrees to place femoral necks parallel with plane of the IR. Medial rotation is easier for patient to maintain if knees are supported. Position of patient Supine position. Have patient suspend respiration for exposure. Purpose and Structures Shown Clear image of entire pelvis. Also demonstrates head, neck, trochanters, and proximal one third or one fourth of shaft of femur. Yellow: The acetabular roof can be easily visualized.This article discusses radiographic positioning to show the hip and pelvis for the Radiologic Technologist (X-Ray Tech). Pink: The outline of the obturator foramen is completely visualized. The posterior border can be followed cranial to identify the supra-acetabular surface, the gluteus medius pilar and the landmarks associated with the external surface of the innominate bone. Green: The posterior border of the acetabulum is easily visible due to the rotation of the anterior rim away and thus out of line for super-imposition. Additionally, time should be spent identifying the anterior superior iliac spine, the anterior inferior spine, the psoas gutter, and the pubic spine. The periarticular region of the anterior column is seen clearly. The pelvic brim and the represented periarticular anterior columnĪdditionally, the iliac wing can be visualized in cross section and most of the landmarks associated with the internal and external surface identified.īlue: The pelvic brim is demonstrated in blue.There are four consistent landmarks that should be inspected on the obturator oblique in each case:

Normal hip xray front view