Course Description
Conventional radiography remains the imaging modality of choice for most applications in the lower extremities. The most common indication for X-rays of the lower extremity is acute trauma. The hip, femur, knee, lower leg (tibia/fibula), ankle, foot, calcaneus, and toes are common radiographic series that are useful in diagnosing an acute fracture, dislocation, or other traumatic injuries a patient may sustain to the lower body. The preferred modality for initial evaluation and diagnosing other bony pathologies in the lower extremity is radiography. Other imaging modalities such as computed tomography, sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging play important supplementary roles in helping to diagnose patients with soft tissue injuries. It is essential that radiologic technologists understand all the components of the imaging chain that lead to the production of high-quality diagnostic radiographs. To this end, this course will provide detailed reviews of the anatomy and bones of the lower body as well as ideal patient positioning for both standard and nonstandard projections of the toes (phalanges), the foot (metatarsals), the calcaneus, the ankle, the lower leg (tibia/fibula), the knee, the femur, and the hip joint. The imaging chain consisting of radiographic exposure factors, proper use of digital capture devices, accessory items, and radiation safety practices will also be addressed.

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the participant should be able to:

• RECALL the skeletal anatomy of the bones and joints that make up lower extremities.
• IDENITIFY the common types of fractures that may affect the bones of the lower extremities.
• RESTATE the imaging parameters that make up a digital radiography suite for performing lower extremity radiography.
• SUMMARIZE the various types of digital radiographic technologies including direct, and nondirect digital radiography as well as computed radiography.
• RECALL the technical settings and parameters that are critical for performing lower extremity bone radiography.
• DIFFERENTIATE conventional versus virtual grids and their applications in digital lower extremity radiographic studies.
• SUMMARIZE the clinical and patient considerations when performing lower extremity bone radiography.
• EXPLAIN both the terminology and proper radiographic positioning concepts essential for lower extremity radiography.
• OUTLINE the various common and uncommon positioning projections that make up a lower extremity bone radiographic protocol.

 

Categories: Digital Radiography, Radiology, X-Ray/Radiography/Fluoroscopy

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 30 out of 40 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 5.0 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit.

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.

Category	Content Area	Credits
Computed Tomography	Procedures	1.25
Magnetic Resonance	Procedures	1.25
Nuclear Medicine	Procedures	1.25
PTH	Procedures	0.5
Radiation Therapy	Procedures	0.5
Radiography	Image Production	2
Radiography	Procedures	3
Radiologist Assistant	Procedures	1.25
Sonography	Procedures	1.25

Category	Subcategory	Credits
Computed Tomography	Head, Spine and Musculoskeletal	1.25
Magnetic Resonance	Musculoskeletal	1.25
Nuclear Medicine	Other Imaging Procedures	1.25
PTH	Treatment Sites	0.5
Radiation Therapy	Treatment Sites and Tumors	0.5
Radiography	Equipment Operation and Quality Assurance	1.25
Radiography	Extremity Procedures	3
Radiography	Image Acquisition and Evaluation	0.75
Radiologist Assistant	Musculoskeletal and Endocrine Sections	1.25
Sonography	Superficial Structures and Other Sonographic Procedures	1.25