Film: 14 x 17 in ( 35 x 43 cm ) or 7 x 17 in ( 18 x 43 cm ) lengthwise

Position of patient
- place the patient in the AP or position, either recumbent or upright
- if the patient in supine, left the head rest directly to the table or a thin pillow.

Position of part:
- the supine position isbeing used to further reduce the dorsal kyphosis by flexing the hips and knees enough to place the back in contact with the table.
- Adjust the thighs in a vertical position and immobilize the feet.
- When the upright position is used, have the patient stand so that his or her weight is equally distributed on the feet to prevent rotation of the vertebral column.
- Center the film at the level of the 7th thoracic vertebrae. Depending on the stature of the patient, the anterior localization point will lie 3 to 4 inches distal to the jugular notch; as a quick check, upper edge of the film should lie 1 ½ to 2 inches above the upper border of the shoulders.

CR: direct the CR to perpendicularly to T7 (approximately 3 inches [ 7.5 cm ] ) inferior to the sternal angle.

Structures shown:
- this method demonstrate an AP projection of the thoracic bodies, their interpediculate spaces, and the surrounding structures.
- the intervertebral spaces are not well demonstrated unless the SID is adjusted to the center of the radius of the thoracic curve to place the spaces parallel with the divergent rays.
- the degree of the CR angulation required can be estimated with reasonable accuracyby noting the angle of the dorsal curve area.

Evaluation criteria:
- All 12 vertebrae should be included
- there should be wide latitude of exposure of 2 radiographs be taken for upper and lower vertebrae
- x- ray beam should be collimated inside the breast shadows.