How should a patient's uninjured arm be positioned for a transthoracic lateral projection of the humerus?

For a transthoracic lateral projection of the humerus, positioning the patient's uninjured arm raised up over the head is crucial. This positioning helps to create a clear and unobstructed view of the humerus being examined. By raising the uninjured arm, it allows the injured arm and shoulder area to be positioned correctly in the imaging field without overlap from the arm on the opposite side. This technique minimizes the amount of tissue that might obscure the region of interest and enhances the quality of the radiographic image, facilitating accurate assessment of any potential injuries or conditions affecting the humerus. Additionally, positioning in this manner can improve patient comfort and stability during the imaging process.