SpineFull access
Thoracic spine
AP with the head at the anode end and knees flexed; lateral with a breathing technique and arms up; swimmer's for C7–T1.
Patient and part
For the AP thoracic spine, the patient is supine with the knees flexed to flatten the curve, the MSP centered and the shoulders level. Put the patient's head at the anode end of the tube: the upper thoracic spine is thinner, and the anode heel effect gives it less exposure. For the lateral, the patient lies on the left side, or stands, with the arms raised forward at right angles so they clear the upper spine, the knees flexed, and a support under the waist so the spine is parallel to the table.