Sternum Lateral is a radiography positioning projection of the Thorax. Lateral sternum, erect. SID 72". Shoulders and arms drawn back. The centering point is located midline of the sternum, at the level of the sternal angle.. The central ray is horizontal, perpendicular to ir. centered to the sternum.. Image-quality criteria include sternum visualized in profile, free from superimposition., manubrium, body, and xiphoid process all clearly visible.. Standard exposure ranges from 70 to 80 kVp, 25 to 40 mAs, at an SID of 72 inches (180 cm).
Anatomy demonstrated
- Manubrium in profile.
- Sternal body.
- Xiphoid process.
- Sternal angle.
- Clavicular articulations.
- Ribs and intercostal spaces.
- Thoracic vertebral bodies.
Patient preparation
- Verify patient identity using two identifiers.
- Remove all radiopaque objects from the chest.
- Position patient erect, lateral surface of chest against IR.
- Draw both shoulders and arms back, hands clasped behind the back.
- Ensure the body is not rotated; shoulders aligned.
Position & centering point
Midline of the sternum, at the level of the sternal angle.
Central ray
Horizontal, perpendicular to IR. Centered to the sternum.
Exposure / technique
- kVp
- 70–80
- mAs
- 25–40
- SID
- 72" (180 cm)
- Notes
- Grid required. A long SID of 60-72" minimizes magnification of the sternum.
Image-quality criteria
- Sternum visualized in profile, free from superimposition.
- Manubrium, body, and xiphoid process all clearly visible.
- Sternal articulations and angle clearly demonstrated.
- Anterior and posterior borders of the sternum sharp.
- No rotation evident from the bilateral rib outline.
- Vertebral column and ribs visible but not overlapping the sternum.
Common errors / ARRT traps
- 1 Rotation forward or backward superimposes ribs on the sternum.
- 2 Shoulders not drawn back far enough superimposes them on the sternum.
- 3 Breathing motion blurs the anterior and posterior borders.
- 4 Off-centered CR clips the sternum from the field.
- 5 Patient slouching or leaning tilts the sternum off profile.
Clinical indications
- Evaluation of sternal fractures, especially oblique fractures.
- Assessment of sternal deformity or kyphosis.
- Detection of sternal metastases or infection.
- Post-operative evaluation after cardiac or thoracic surgery.
Aligned to the current ARRT Radiography Content Specifications.