In order to demonstrate the entire leg the central ray must be directed
- A. Perpendicularly to lower 3rd of leg
- B. Perpendicularly to upper 3rd of leg
- C. Perpendicularly mid way between ankle and knee joint
- D. 10 degrees and mid way between the two joints.
The correct answer for demonstrating the entire leg on an X-ray is C. Perpendicularly mid way between ankle and knee joint.
Here's why:
A. Perpendicularly to lower 3rd of leg:
This would only capture the lower leg (tibia and fibula) and wouldn't include the femur (thigh bone) in the image.
B. Perpendicularly to upper 3rd of leg:
This would capture the femur but not the entire leg, missing the lower leg and ankle joint.
D. 10 degrees and mid way between the two joints:
This is not the standard practice for a full-leg X-ray and might result in distortion of the bones.
C. Perpendicularly mid way between ankle and knee joint:
This is the optimal position for capturing the entire leg on an X-ray. It ensures:
- Inclusion of all major bones: The femur, tibia, fibula, and patella (kneecap) are all within the field of view.
- Minimal distortion: The bones are aligned as naturally as possible, minimizing any stretching or compression artifacts.
- Clear visualization: The X-ray technician can adjust the angulation slightly based on the patient's anatomy to optimize the image quality.
Here's an image to illustrate the correct positioning:
As you can see, this position allows for a complete visualization of the entire leg, from the hip joint to the ankle joint. This is crucial for diagnosing any fractures, dislocations, or other abnormalities that might affect the entire leg.
