How should a patient's arm be positioned for a lateral elbow radiograph?

For a lateral elbow radiograph, the optimal positioning of the patient's arm is to have it flexed at 90 degrees at the elbow joint. This positioning is crucial because it allows for a clear view of the anatomy of the elbow joint, including the olecranon, the lateral epicondyle, and the radiocapitellar joint. Flexing the elbow to 90 degrees minimizes superimposition of the structures around the elbow and provides a comprehensive view of the joint space, which is essential for accurate assessment and diagnosis in radiographic imaging.

In this position, the forearm is typically oriented parallel to the imaging receptor, which enhances the visualization of any potential fractures or joint abnormalities. This setup is standard practice in radiographic protocols for ensuring the best possible diagnostic outcomes.