How should the patient's hand be positioned for a lateral humerus radiograph?

For a lateral humerus radiograph, the correct hand positioning involves placing the patient's palm on the hip. This positioning helps to ensure that the humerus is adequately visualized in a lateral projection, which is essential for proper assessment of the humeral anatomy and possible pathologies.

When the palm is placed on the hip, it allows the shoulder to rotate posteriorly, which helps to align the humerus parallel to the film or detector being used for imaging. This position minimizes superimposition of other structures and provides a clearer view of the humerus, making it easier to analyze fractures, alignment, or any abnormalities.

While other positions may offer some visibility, they do not facilitate the optimal alignment needed for a lateral view. For instance, holding the arm above the head may result in foreshortening of the humerus, and resting the hand on the table may not allow for sufficient rotation of the shoulder. Positioning the hand against the side could also limit the necessary adjustment required to achieve the proper lateral projection. Thus, placing the palm on the hip is the preferred method for accurately capturing a lateral radiograph of the humerus.