Because xrays are inherent part of the diagnosis making in orthopedics and I refer to them quite frequently, I thought I would write about the terms used in the xray procedures frequently.
AP ( Antero-Posterior) : The xray beam goes from anterior to posterior direction
PA ( Postero-Anterior): The xray beam goes from anterior to posterior
Lateral: Projection taken with the central ray perpendicular to the midsaggital plane. A mid sggital plane would divide bodies into anterior and posterior halves.
Horizontal Beam Lateral, Horizontal Ray Lateral, Horizontal Central Ray, or Cross Table Lateral. Used to obtain a lateral projection usually when patients are unable to move.
Oblique: Xray at an angle to any of the body planes. Described by the angle of obliquity and the portion of the body the X-ray beam exits; right or left and posterior or anterior.
Flexion: Joint is radiographed while in flexion
Extension: Joint is radiographed while in extension
Stress Views: Typically taken of joints or fracture parts held in a ‘stressed’ position. Usually done to test the stability. Can be further specified with nature of stress such as varus or valgus.
Prone: Patient lies on their front
Supine: Patient lies on the back
Decubitus: Patient in laying down psotion. Further described by the downside body surface: dorsal (backside down), ventral (frontside down), or lateral (left or right side down).
Cranial or Cephalad – Tube angulation towards the head
Caudal – Tube angulation towards the feet
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