CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which positioning technique is essential to achieve an accurate AP hip image?

1. Knee flexion

2. Foot position

3. Patient's age

4. Type of imaging equipment used

The correct answer is: Foot position

To achieve an accurate anteroposterior (AP) hip image, the positioning of the foot is critical. In this technique, the foot should be internally rotated approximately 15 to 20 degrees. This internal rotation aligns the femoral neck with the image receptor, allowing for a clear representation of the hip joint and surrounding structures. Proper foot positioning is essential for reducing distortion and ensuring that the anatomical parts are displayed correctly in the radiographic image. While other factors, such as the patient's age or the type of imaging equipment, may influence the imaging process and the resultant image quality, they do not directly impact the accuracy of the hip positioning technique as significantly as the orientation of the foot does. Knee flexion is also not a relevant factor in obtaining an AP hip image, as the leg is typically extended during this imaging. Therefore, foot position is the key aspect that ensures an accurate depiction of the hip anatomy.