Elbow AP

• Distal third of the humerus.
• Proximal half of the radius and ulna.
• Medial and lateral epicondyles.
• Olecranon fossa, seen through the open joint.
• Radial head, neck, and tuberosity.
• Coronoid process of the ulna.

• Verify patient identity using two identifiers.
• Remove watches, bracelets, and any radiopaque items from the arm.
• Seat the patient at the end of the table.
• Extend the arm fully over the IR with palm facing up.
• Adjust the table so shoulder, humerus, and elbow rest in the same plane.

Mid-elbow joint, with the shoulder, humerus, and elbow kept in the same plane.

Perpendicular to the mid-elbow joint.

kVp

60–75

mAs

3–6

SID

40" (102 cm)

Notes

Tabletop technique. No grid required for an adult elbow.

• Elbow joint open with no superimposition of the proximal radius and ulna.
• Distal humerus, proximal radius, and proximal ulna all included.
• Radial head, neck, and tuberosity show only slight overlap of the proximal ulna.
• Medial and lateral epicondyles are symmetric.
• Bone trabeculae and soft tissue sharp, no motion blur.
• Collimation: 3 inches proximal and distal to the elbow joint.

1. 1 Incomplete supination rotates the elbow off true AP.
2. 2 Lifting the shoulder closes the joint and tilts the distal humerus.
3. 3 Pronated hand spins the radius over the ulna at the proximal joint.
4. 4 Off-centered CR clips the proximal radius or distal humerus.

• Trauma evaluation for elbow fracture or dislocation.
• Suspected radial head or olecranon fracture.
• Joint effusion or fat pad sign assessment.
• Post-operative follow-up of fixation hardware.