Radiographic Guide – Pelvis (Hips)

 Positioning: 

Place the patient in dorsal recumbency using a cradle and foam wedges for support. 

Ensure the patient is straight from nose to tail – securing forelimbs cranially may help, particularly for slim breeds.  The head should not be rotated, sternum and spine should be superimposed and perpendicular to the table, ileac crests should feel level on palpation, tail is central. 

Extend and internally rotate hindlimbs so the patellae are positioned centrally-upwards. Secure with ties/tape/vet wrap around and above stifles. A foam wedge between the hocks often helps. 

Secure distal extended hindlimbs with sandbags or ties. Ties around just proximal to the hock connected to 5L water containers on the floor are helpful as it allows small adjustments to limb positioning. Ensure the ties are not too tight as this can damage the achilles tendon and that tension on the ties do not over-extend limbs. 

Take care with sedated patients – we would recommend only sandbags are used. 

 Collimation: 

Lateral skin edges, ileac crest cranially and just distal of the patellae caudally.  

Centring: 

Pubic symphysis 

 Assessment: 

• Obturator foramens should be symmetrical and equal size 
• Patellae should be centrally positioned in the femurs 
• Tail does not obscure limbs/pelvis 

Positioning

Position the patient in lateral recumbency. 

Foam wedges are placed under sternum, lumbar spine and between stifles. 

The sternum and thoracic spine should be level and parallel with the table. Stifles should be aligned over each other and parallel with the table. Ileac crests should feel superimposed on palpation. 

Collimation 

Dorsal skin edge and mid-femur 

To include the ileac crest and distal aspect of ischium 

Centring

Greater trochanter of the femur

 Assessment:

• Hemipelves are superimposed 
• Hindlimbs are not rotated