Upper Extremities
24 Acromioclavicular (AC) Joints
Anatomy
sternoclavicular joint, clavicular notch, acromioclavicular joint, acromial extremity, sternal extremity, acromion, coracoid process, scapula
Projections
[Part], PA or AP
CR Location
[Part], PA or AP –
Evaluation Criteria
AP AC Joints with and without weights
Image Criteria: Long narrow collimation visualizing both AC joints. Symmetrical SC joints (indicating no rotation). Rt, Lt, and weight markers visible on image.
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Hows & Whys of [Part] Radiography
- Why should AC joints not be done lying down?
- Lying down can cause dislocated AC joints to go back in place (be reduced).
- Why should AC joints be done at 72 inches?
- A 72 inch SID reduces magnification which enables both joints to be included on one image.
- Why are AC joints done with and without weights?
- Using weights can demonstrate separation of the joint spaces.
- How can you tell that a patient was not rotated on a image of AP AC joints?
- The sternoclavicular joints are equal distance from the vertebrae.
- How can you tell that the patient for AP AC joints is not rotated before you take the image?
- The shoulders are equal distance from the bucky.