What is the recommended position of the elbow during a forearm scan?

The recommended position of the elbow during a forearm scan, specifically between 90 and 110 degrees, is optimal for ensuring accurate and consistent measurements of bone density. This position helps to provide a proper alignment of the forearm and wrist, minimizing any interference from the soft tissue and ensuring that the bone of interest is clearly visible and accurately evaluated.

Positioning the elbow within this range allows for effective imaging of the distal radius and ulna, which are critical sites for assessing bone density regarding osteoporosis and fracture risk. This angle promotes stability and comfort for the patient, while also aligning the bones in a way that maximizes the quality of the data collected during the scanning process. Proper positioning is essential to minimize the variation in results that can occur due to different angles or postures of the forearm.