Radiographic positioning guide.
Fractures of the zygoma region can occur with head trauma. In fact, the zygomatic arch is one of the most commonly fractured facial bones, typically following altercations in which the patient is punched in the face. Radiographic confirmation of zygomatic arch fractures allows early stabilization with better anatomic function and cosmetic results.
Getting an order for mastoids is rare these days. But it still happens occasionally, and when it does don’t be ashamed to pull out your Merril’s. Tissue thickness, superimposing shadows, and awkward patient positioning make the mastoid process a difficult body part to radiograph.
When radiologic technologists are using digital systems to capture images that were ordered by orthopedic surgeons for joint replacement surgery, magnification needs to be considered. There are some specific tools and techniques necessary for this.
Radiologists consider a chest X-ray to be of good quality when the trachea is centered and equidistant from the head of the clavicle on both sides, the spine is visible as a transparent structure through the heart shadow, and there is full inspiratory effort (the right 6th rib is at the midpoint of the hemidiaphragm on that side). A useful search pattern is described by the mnemonic ABCDEF for airways, bones, cardiac silhouette, diaphragm, expanded lungs, and foreign objects.
