Instructions To Radiographers For Use Of Scaled Markers

1. For AP Films

Support the marker (for example using adhesive tape) alongside the lateral aspect of the limb, at the same height above the table/film as the bone of interest:

In the femur, the scale would run from the greater trochanter to the lateral femoral condyle.

In the tibia, the scale would run from the lateral tibial condyle to the lateral tibial malleolus.

In the knee joint the scale would run from the middle of the lateral aspect of the femur to the middle of the lateral aspect of the tibia.

2. For Lateral Films

Support the marker (for example using adhesive tape) alongside the lateral aspect of the limb, at the same height above the table/film as the bone of interest:

In the femur, the scale would run from above the piriformis fossa to the patella.

In the tibia, the scale would run from the tibial tubercle to the anterior aspect of the ankle.

At the knee, the scale would run from the middle of the anterior aspect of the thigh to the middle of the anterior aspect of the tibia.

If it is not possible to support the femur or the tibia PARALLEL to the film, the scale should adopt the same inclination as the bone.

If the knee suffers from fixed flexion, the scale should be supported at the mean height (distal femur to proximal tibia) above the table.

X-Rays for Mayday Nails will normally require two thirds of the femoral and tibial shafts, from the knee joint.