Radiography: humerus

• A high definition film-screen combination is required.
• A grid is not required.
• kV should not exceed about 50.
• Both joints should always be included (shoulder and elbow).
• Soft tissues should be included.
• A radiograph including both limbs is useful for comparison.
• General anesthesia or heavy sedation is generally required.
• The film should be correctly exposed and developed, and free from movement blur and artifact.
• The anatomical marker must be clearly visible, along with the patient's identification, the date, and the name of the hospital or practice.
  Print off the Owner factsheet on Xray and Ultrasound to give to your clients.

Uses

• Fracture Limb fracture: humeral fractures in rabbits are less common when compared to fractures of the antebrachium or the hindlimb.
• Other bony conditions, eg metabolic bone disease.
• Neoplastic bone disease.
• Soft tissue neoplasia invading bone .

Advantages

• Non-invasive.
• Straightforward.

Time required

Preparation

• Dependent upon the method of chemical restraint (GA or sedation).

Procedure

• 10 to 15 min, or longer, dependent upon skill of radiographer.

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

• Is the examination appropriate?
• Can you make the diagnosis without it?
• Can it tell you what you need to know?
• Will your management be affected by the radiological findings?

Choosing the right projections

Lateral

• Standard projection.

Caudocranial

• Standard projection.

Craniocaudal (with limb positioned beside thorax)

• Alternative to caudocranial .
• Enables distal humerus to lie flatter against film, thus minimizing distortion without the need for tube angulation.