Dorsopalmar (DP)
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•
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Angle the X-ray beam 10° distally i.e. dorso10°proximal-palmarodistal oblique.
Ensure the beam is parallel to the dorsopalmar direction of the limb.
Centre at the level of the condyles of the third metacarpal bone and collimate.
N.B. A steeper distal angle of at least 15° is usually required for the
metatarsophalangeal joint (hindlimbs), i.e. dorso 15°proximal-plantarodistal oblique.
A horizontal X-ray beam will
lead to superimposition of the
proximal sesamoid bones over the
metacarpophalangeal joint which
will hinder evaluation (left image).
By angling 10° distally, the
proximal sesamoid bones will be
superimposed proximal to the
joint space, allowing improved
evaluation of the joint margins
(right image).
• Volume 21 Issue 2 | May 2019 •
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