Body Habitus

BODY HABITUS

Body Habitus

Body Habitus Body habitus is generally defined as the build, physique, and general shape of the human body. The size, dimensions, and shape of the patient’s body impacts positioning of specific regions of the body such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and biliary systems.

Body habitus is classified into four general body styles

Sthenic: Approximately 50% of the population falls into this category. For the purpose of radiographic positioning, sthenic body styles are considered average in shape and internal organ location.

Hyposthenic: A thin body style, which is more slender than the sthenic body habitus. Approximately 35% of the population is classified as hyposthenic.

Body Habitus

Hypersthenic: A massive body style, which has a large and broad frame as compared to the sthenic body habitus. Approximately 5% of the population is classified as hypersthenic ) Asthenic: Approximately 10% of the population is very thin or slender with a long and narrow body build. More slight in stature than even the hyposthenic patient

Impact of Radiographic Positioning

The technologist must consider the patient’s body habitus and alter centering and image receptor placement accordingly.

This is especially a concern during adult chest radiography For the hyposthenic and asthenic patient, the image receptor is placed in portrait (lengthwise) alignment because the lungs are longer than those of the hypersthenic patient.

Body Habitus

For the hypersthenic patient, the image receptor is placed in landscape (crosswise) alignment because the lungs are shorter in length but broader in width than those of the hyposthenic or asthenic patient.

The Image Receptor placement for the sthenic adult patient may be placed portrait or landscape depending on age, height, and even pathology. Other anatomical regions are affected as well by body habitus.