Technique to improve lateral cervico-thoracic radiographs

Lateral radiographs taken during radiotherapy simulation of the upper thoracic and lower cervical region are often of poor quality because of the difference in separation seen by the incident beam. A simple method of compensating for this is the application of a thin foil of lead on the simulator that obscures the light field in the superior portion of the field. This technique has the advantage of being simple, fast and easily reproducible.