survey of lung fields, bones and soft tissues

Last reviewed 01/2018

Lung fields:

  • identify any obvious abnormality
  • if none is seen then examine the lung fields systematically:
    • compare both sides
    • note the lung markings on the two sides and follow them to the lung edge
    • look at the apices and the costophrenic angles

Bones:

  • look for erosion, notching, fractures

Soft tissues:

  • look for surgical emphysema, air in the soft tissues, mastectomy