Show Citation, DOI & article dataCitation: Murphy, A. Ribs (AP view). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 22 Aug 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-53652 The ribs AP view is a specific projection employed in the assessment of the posterior ribs. Unlike a standard chest radiograph, this projection applies a lower kV higher mAs technique to highlight bony structures. It often involves two projections, one of the supradiaphragmatic ribs and two of the subdiaphragmatic ribs. On this page:The AP view specifically focuses on the posterior ribs. The rib series is often considered to be an unnecessary, unjustified projection in many radiology departments. Indeed the Royal College of Radiologists (UK) iRefer guidelines state "Demonstration of a simple rib fracture does not usually alter management but if a complication such as pneumothorax or infection is suspected, chest radiograph would be appropriate" 2. Thus if the projection might change the patient management it may still be considered pertinent and worthy of discussion.
The entire rib cage should be visible from the 1st to the 12th.
The isolated referral of a rib series in the assessment of rib trauma is controversial 1 however, still widely used. Ensure the projection is not performed under a chest examination AEC setting, this will not achieve the correct exposure to adequately present the bony structures of the thoracic cage. ReferencesRelated articles: Imaging in practicePromoted articles (advertising) |