Thoracic vertebrae

AP Projection

1.  Patient in supine position;
2. Upper limbs extend along the side of the body;
3. Aligned the midsagital plane;
4. Flex the knees.

Central ray perpendicular to the middle of the sternum.

Respiration: Suspended.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Visualization of the all 12 thoracic vertebrae;
• No rotation;
• Spinous process centered and aligned;
• Thoracic vertebrae in the center of the image;
• Appropriate exposure values (visualization of the all bony trabeculation and soft tissue).

Lateral Projection

1.  Patient in a lateral recumbent position;
2. Flex the knees and overlap both of them;
3. Flex at the level of the elbows with the hands at the side of the head.

Central ray perpendicular to T7.

Respiration: Suspended at the end of the inspiration.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Visualization of the thoracic vertebral totally;
• The thoracic vertebrae in the center of the image;
• No rotation;
• Ribs overlapped;
• Disk spaces open;
• Appropriate exposure values (visualization of the all bony trabeculation and soft tissue).