VSPN Review by Tracy Darling, RVT, VTS (SAIM) (Click on stars for an explanation)

As a supervising technician in practice, I was very pleased to have the opportunity to review the Handbook of Radiographic Positioning for Veterinary Technicians. The book begins with a very good overview of the principles of radiographic positioning which includes patient preparation, directional terminology, positioning aids, as well as proper collimation, measurement, and labeling requirements. Each of the main chapters covers an anatomical region, and begins with an overview of the diagnostic benefits of radiography of each region. A discussion of patient positioning includes the use of foam cushions, centering, collimation landmarks, labeling requirements, and additional comments in a simple bullet format for each positional view. In addition, a black-and-white photo of the patient position, photo of the radiographic result, and line drawing describing all of the anatomical features visualized are included for most positions described. Many chapters also include techniques for horizontal beam projections for those with this capability. There are also chapters devoted to the radiography of extremities which include techniques for flexed, extended and oblique joint evaluations.

Perhaps one of the more exciting inclusions into the text is the chapter on dental radiography. There is a very brief discussion of the parallel and bisecting angle techniques, followed by great black-and-white photographs and radiographs of all standard positions needed in the canine and feline using a dental radiographic unit. The chapter on avian and exotic positioning includes a brief section on restraint techniques, followed by common radiographic positions for snakes, birds, lizards, turtles, and ferrets. There are photographs and radiographs of each exotic positioning technique described. Also included is an image library of all of the images in the book on CD in Mac and PC format.

Unfortunately, contrast studies are not covered in this book; however, this is likely due to the focus of this text being strictly on positioning techniques.

I would highly recommend this book for veterinary practices or veterinary technician students as a reference for proper radiographic positioning. I was very pleased with the number of views (including some less common views) covered in this text, as well as the comprehensive number of photographs and diagrams included. In some cases, I feel that this text may simply remind some readers of many useful, but less common (or forgotten) radiographic positioning techniques as well as tips for improving the common views.

Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning (2010).

Spiral-bound, 228 pages with CD Image Library.

ISBN-13: 978-1-4354-2603-0;

ISBN-10: 1-4354-2603-7.