How many pounds of weight should be affixed to each wrist for the ap projection of the ac joint?

Citation, DOI & article data

Citation:

Murphy, A. Acromioclavicular joint (AP weight-bearing view). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 08 Sep 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-48986

The acromioclavicular joint AP weight-bearing view, often performed together with the normal non-weight-bearing AP view, helps in ruling out joint displacement when it is suspected but not confirmed on the frontal image.

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This view is used in the assessment of possible acromioclavicular joint separation and may be done bilaterally to allow comparison of joint spaces between the affected and unaffected side. Additionally, the bilateral weight-bearing view is able to unmask Rockwood Type V acromioclavicular joint injuries 1.

Note: Such functional views should not be performed on trauma patients without the strict instructions of a qualified clinician.

  • the patient is erect holding a weight in the hand of the affected side
  • the patient's back is against the image receptor
  • the acromioclavicular joint of the affected side is at the center of the image receptor
  • affected arm is in a neutral position by the patient side
  • anteroposterior projection
  • centering point
    • at the acromioclavicular joint
  • collimation
    • superior to the skin margins
    • inferior to the humeral head
    • lateral to include the skin margin
    • medial to lateral third of the clavicle
  • orientation  
    • landscape
  • detector size
    • 18 cm x 24 cm
  • exposure
    • 60-70 kVp
    • 10-15 mAs
  • SID
    • 100 cm
  • grid
    • yes (this can vary departmentally)
  • the acromioclavicular joint is central to the image with no overlap
  • the image is appropriately annotated weight-bearing

This projection can be very painful for a patient with an AC joint injury; it is highly recommended that everything is set up and positioned so that the last thing you do is hand the weights over.

References

When performing an AP projection of the acromioclavicular AC joints how many pounds of weight should be affixed to each wrist?

If an unstable acromioclavicular joint injury is suspected, yet not confirmed on routine AP and lateral views, stress views may be indicated. A 10- to 15-lb weight is attached to the wrist of the affected side, and an AP view can be taken.

Why is it important to position the patient seated or standing upright for the acromioclavicular joints?

Place patient in the upright position, either seated or standing, because dislocation of the AC joint tends to reduce itself in the recumbent position.

What is the central ray angle for the PA oblique projection of the shoulder joint?

Central ray: The central ray should be 5-15 degrees laterally traversing the shoulder joint and toward the area of the elbow.

When performing an AP projection of the humerus how far above the level of the shoulder should the top of the IR be placed?

Positioning for a lateral projection of the humerus Place the top margin of the cassette approximately 1½ inches (3.8 cm) above the level of the head of the humerus. Unless contraindicated by possible fracture, internally rotate the arm, flex the elbow approximately 90°, and place the patient's hand on their hip.