Thorax and Abdomen
6 Sternoclavicular (SC) 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
PA SC Joints
Image Criteria: SC joints should be equal distances from the vertebrae.
Anterior Oblique SC Joints
Image Criteria: Visualization of manubrium and downside SC jt shifted away from the vertebral column.
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Hows & Whys of [Part] Radiography
- How can you tell that a patient was not rotated on a image of PA SC joints?
- The sternoclavicular joints are equal distance from the vertebrae.
- How can you tell that the patient for PA SC joints is not rotated before you take the image?
- The shoulders are equal distance from the bucky.
- What bony landmarks can be used to position for SC joints?
- The top of the scapula or 3 inches below the vertebra prominens.
- What vertebral level are the SC joints located at?
- T2-3.
- On anterior obliques of the SC joints, which joint will be best visualized?
- The joint on the downside.
- If your pt. condition requires you to do posterior obliques of the SC joints, which joint will be best visualized?
- The joint on the upside.
- Why are posterior obliques less desirable than anterior obliques?
- More magnification and less detail.