The ABC’s of the cervical spine provide a helpful mnemonic to guide the systematic assessment of these x-rays. Remember; you require all three views (lateral, AP and odontoid/open mouth view) for an adequate study.
An orthopantomogram (OPG) is a good view to demonstrate most mandibular fractures. A PA mandible shows the displacement of fractures. It also demonstrates symphysis menti fractures which can be missed on the OPG. If an OPG cannot be obtained, a lateral view can be helpful. The body and ramus can be viewed along with…
There are two views – occipito-mental view and occipito-mental 30o view The occipito-mental view demonstrates the upper and middle thirds of the face including the orbital margins, frontal sinuses, zygomatic arches and maxillary antra The occipito-mental 30o view shows 30o of caudal angulation. The orbits are seen less well, but zygomatic arches and the walls…
The ankle consists of three bones – the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The ankle also consist of two joints – the ankle joint (where the tibia, fibula and talus meet) and the syndesmosis joint (the joint between the tibia and fibula which is help together by ligaments). There are three main sets of…
1. Know your knee anatomy See the the anatomical landmarks on the diagrams below. Remember that the knees of younger children will look different, as the patella forms, and the ossification centres form. 2. Look for an effusion There are two fat pads in the knee the suprapatellar fat pad the prefemoral fat…
Don’t be bamboozled by paediatric elbow x-rays. Here’s a guide to a systematic approach.
A 7 year old male presents to the ED with isolated right elbow pain three hours after falling on his out-stretched right arm while roller blading.
Foot x-rays
1. Check you have the right views. There are two views in foot x-rays DP (dorsal-plantar) and oblique. Both should ideally be done when weight-bearing if your patient can manage it. 2. Review the bones. Work round the bones one by one (including the metatarsals). Start proximally and work your way down, going medial…