RadteraXR Sternum
XRNo contrastChest
Indications
- Sternal trauma
- Suspected sternal fracture
- Sternoclavicular evaluation
- Chest wall mass/lesion
Patient prep
- Remove radiopaque objects over chest; gown
Contrast
None / non-contrast
Technique
- RAO (right anterior oblique) ~15-20 deg: rotates sternum over the homogeneous heart shadow to avoid superimposition with spine; use breathing technique (orthostatic blur) to diffuse lung/rib markings, CR to sternum
- Lateral: erect, arms drawn back, deep inspiration, SID 72 inches, CR to lateral mid-sternum
- SID 30-40 inches for RAO (shorter SID to blur posterior ribs); grid; kVp ~65-75
Series / Sequences
| # | Series / Sequence | Plane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RAO (PA oblique) | Oblique | 15-20 deg RAO projects sternum over heart shadow; breathing technique blurs overlying ribs/lung |
| 2 | Lateral | Sagittal | Erect, shoulders/arms back, deep inspiration, SID 72 inches; demonstrates anterior/posterior displacement |
Key points
- Breathing technique (low mA, long exposure ~2-3 sec) blurs pulmonary and rib markings to better show sternum on RAO
- Use less obliquity for thin patients, more for thicker patients
- CT is more sensitive for sternal fracture and is often preferred in significant trauma
References
• Bontrager's Handbook - Sternum
• Merrill's Atlas Vol 1 - Bony Thorax
• Radiopaedia: Sternum series link
• Merrill's Atlas Vol 1 - Bony Thorax
• Radiopaedia: Sternum series link
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.