What is the FFD for a Frog-Leg Lateral X-ray?

The FFD, or Source-to-Image Distance, for a Frog-Leg Lateral X-ray is typically 40 inches. This distance is crucial for ensuring that the X-ray image is of high quality and that the anatomy is properly visualized. At this distance, the X-ray beam diverges enough to minimize distortion while achieving adequate detail for diagnostic purposes.

In the case of the Frog-Leg Lateral position, which is used primarily to assess the hip and proximal femur, maintaining a consistent FFD helps in obtaining a clear image without sacrificing resolution. Distances shorter than 40 inches could lead to images being too magnified or blurred, while distances much greater than 40 inches might cause a decrease in image contrast and increased exposure time, which can be harmful for both the patient and the imaging equipment.