Elbow X-ray positioning
How to position for each of the 3 elbow X-ray views: where the patient goes, where to centre, which receptor and distance to use, and what a good image looks like.
By the ScanFlo Editorial Team · Updated
In this section · X-ray positioning
- X-ray positioning guides
- Skull positioning
- Face & sinuses positioning
- Soft tissue neck positioning
- C-spine positioning
- Chest positioning
- Shoulder positioning
- Humerus positioning
- Elbow positioning
- Forearm positioning
- Wrist positioning
- Hand positioning
- T-spine positioning
- Abdomen positioning
- L-spine positioning
- Sacrum & SI joints positioning
- Pelvis positioning
- Hip positioning
- Femur positioning
- Knee positioning
- Tibia & fibula positioning
- Ankle positioning
- Foot positioning
X-ray positioning/Elbow
The routine elbow views are Elbow AP and Elbow lateral. Elbow AP semiflexed (after injury) comes in when you need to answer a particular question, or when the patient can't manage a routine view. Each guide walks you through the set-up step by step, with a short video, exposure settings for different patient sizes and what a good image should show.
A radiographer is still checking these guides.
Routine views
Extra views
All views in this region
- Elbow AP
- Elbow lateral
- Elbow AP semiflexed (after injury)
Quick reference
Where to centre, how far and which receptor, for every elbow view at a glance. Open a guide for the full set-up.
| Projection | Centre on | SID | Receptor | Breathing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elbow AP | the elbow joint, 2 cm below the epicondyles | 100 cm | 18×24 portrait | No breathing instruction needed |
| Elbow lateral | the lateral epicondyle | 100 cm | 18×24 portrait | No breathing instruction needed |
| Elbow AP semiflexed (after injury) | the elbow joint | 100 cm | 18×24 portrait | No breathing instruction needed |
Mistakes that lead to repeats
- Joint closed on the elbow AP: use the semiflexed views.
- Condyles not superimposed on the elbow lateral: bring the shoulder to the level of the elbow.
- Only one view on the elbow AP semiflexed (after injury): take both views.
Common questions
- Which elbow views are routine?
- Usually Elbow AP and Elbow lateral.
- What distance (SID) do elbow X-rays use?
- 100 cm for every elbow view here.
- Do elbow X-rays need a grid?
- No. These parts are thin enough that a grid isn't needed.
Try it in ScanFlo: the ScanFlo XR X-ray Room, coming soon, lets you set up every elbow projection in a 3D room and score your positioning. See ScanFlo XR →