Clements-Nakayama positioning

Case contributed by Andrew Murphy
Diagnosis not applicable

Presentation

This is a case study on an x-ray phantom to demonstrate different imaging techniques of the Clements-Nakayama projection.

Scroll to see the angle change

Annotated image

Note the difference the tube angle has on the appearance of the proximal femur, if a neck of femur fracture is suspected, a 10-15 degree angle with cephalad angle to the neck of the femur is most appropriate. 

Neck of femur vs femoral shaft

Annotated image

Note the difference the tube angle has on the appearance of the proximal femur, if a neck of femur fracture is suspected, a 10-15 degree angle with cephalad angle to the neck of the femur is most appropriate. 

Case Discussion

The Clements-Nakayama view of the proximal femur is a highly specialized lateral projection utilized on patients with bilateral femoral fractures, or patients unable to mobilize due to postoperative requirements. 
The angle of the x-ray tube will depend on the anatomy required.

Thanks to Linus Chin for performing these radiographic projections to aid this case study. 

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