The anteroposterior clavicle view for paediatrics is part of a two view series examining the entirety of the clavicle and the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints. This view is ideally performed erect, but supine may be necessary depending on the patient's level of distress and severity of injury.
On this page:
Indications
This projection demonstrates the clavicle in its natural anatomical position and is useful in diagnosing clavicular fractures and dislocations in paediatric patients.
Patient position
- patient is ideally erect with their back against the image receptor
- affected clavicle is in the centre of the image receptor
- affected arm is in a neutral position
Technical factors
- anteroposterior projection
-
centring point
- mid clavicle
-
collimation
- superior to the skin margins
- inferior to include mid scapula
- lateral to include the skin margin
- medial to include the sternoclavicular joint
-
orientation
- landscape
-
detector size
- 18 cm x 24 cm
-
exposure 1
- 63-66 kVp
- 2-4 mAs
-
SID
- 100 cm
-
grid
- no (this can vary departmentally or based on the patient's age or size)
Image technical evaluation
The clavicle is demonstrated in its entirety with no foreshortening. This is demonstrated through superimposition of the midclavicle over the superior aspect of the scapula 2. Appropriate metal markers are visualised as this is ideal for paediatric imaging.
Practical points
Preparing the room beforehand (setting up the detector, exposure and preparing lead gowns) is important as paediatric patients may not remain still for the duration of the x-ray.
Immobilisation techniques
It is important for the radiograph to be free from motion artifact and rotation to avoid repeated x-rays.
- it may be necessary for the parent or radiographer to hold the patient in position
- ideally the parent should be in the child's direct line of sight
- techniques will vary based on the department
- distraction techniques can be utilised to avoid scattered radiation to parents and staff 3