CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

If the sternum is demonstrated lateral to the midpoint between the vertebral column and the anterior ribs, what does this suggest?

1. Proper rotation

2. Insufficient rotation

3. Excessively rotated

4. Correctly positioned

The correct answer is: Excessively rotated

When the sternum is demonstrated lateral to the midpoint between the vertebral column and the anterior ribs, it indicates that the patient was excessively rotated during the imaging process. In a proper positioning for a lateral radiograph of the sternum, the sternum should ideally be aligned between the spine and the ribs. This alignment suggests that the patient is in a neutral position without any excessive rotation. Excessive rotation results in the sternum appearing shifted laterally, which can lead to an inaccurate representation of the anatomical structures. This misalignment may require additional imaging to obtain a clearer and more diagnostically useful image of the sternum. Proper rotation would mean the sternum is centered between the spine and the anterior ribs, while insufficient rotation indicates an incomplete rotation toward the imaging plate, preserving the anatomic relationships without distortion. Correct positioning ensures accurate visualization of the anatomical structures, which is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.