CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

How should you position the patient to best demonstrate the iliac wing?

1. With the affected side up in a lateral position

2. With the affected side down in a posterior oblique

3. Supine with legs extended

4. Prone with hips rotated

The correct answer is: With the affected side down in a posterior oblique

To best demonstrate the iliac wing, positioning the patient with the affected side down in a posterior oblique provides optimal visualization. This positioning allows the iliac wing of the pelvis on the side that is down to be better displayed and clearly depicted in the radiographic image. In the posterior oblique position, the patient's body is angled so that the affected iliac wing is closest to the image receptor. This technique reduces superimposition from overlying structures, allowing for a clearer view of the anatomy in question. The angle of the beam can further enhance the visualization by projecting the iliac wing onto the film more effectively, making it easier to assess for any potential fractures or anomalies. Other positioning methods, such as having the affected side up in a lateral position, can obscure the iliac wing due to overlapping structures. Similarly, a supine position with legs extended does not adequately isolate the iliac wing for clear imaging, and a prone position with hips rotated could complicate the visualization due to the angle of the pelvis and superimposition of other structures.