Is there a tube tilt required for an AP elbow?

When performing an anterior-posterior (AP) projection of the elbow, there is typically no tube tilt required. The arm is positioned straight with the palm facing upward and the elbow fully extended. This position ensures that the central ray is perpendicular to the anatomical structure being imaged, allowing for an accurate representation of the elbow joint without the need for angling the tube.

A flat beam is ideal for this view, as it clearly captures the joint space and the surrounding bone structures without distortion. The primary aim is to visualize the elbow comprehensively, including the humerus, radius, and ulna in a single, uninterrupted plane.

In specific situations, such as if there is an abnormality or if a different projection is used, different techniques might be considered, but the standard AP view does not require any tube tilt.