Abstract:
A radiological imaging orientation indicator includes a linear indication member having a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape and means for positioning the indication member adjacent a patient&#39;s body. When the indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. The linear indication member is in the form of either of an extruded letter, number and symbol which may be hollow with one or more liquids trapped inside to indicate vertical orientation. The means for positioning the indication member include pants, vests, caps, visors, eyeglass frames, sandals, gloves and collars that can only be attached to a patient&#39;s body in one way, thereby preventing confusion in determining the orientation of a scanning image. The invention includes orientation indicators for standard X-rays.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/429,004, filed May 5, 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention pertains to radiological scanning systems. More particularly, the invention relates to devices for determining with precision the orientation of a patient undergoing a scanning or other radiographic procedure. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Modern radiological scanning systems are capable of providing detailed imaging of a patient&#39;s body in the nature of a cross-sectional view. That is, these systems can provide a “thin slice” image of various organs and portions of the body taken at different orientations including different elevations and from different points of view. These images require annotation of orientation, including sidedness, for left versus right orientation. Typical systems involve a patient being introduced into a scanning system on a sliding horizontal platform, either head first or feet first. Presently the system operator will key in the orientation of the patient on the platform and the resulting images will bear an indication of this orientation. Often major surgery is performed based upon these scan images and the orientation indication is critical to performing the surgery on the correct side of the patient. As the orientation input is under the control of the system operator, errors are possible. If the operator enters “feet first” instead of “head first” the image will be marked incorrectly by the machine. Similar problems can occur when an operator enters “prone” versus “supine.” 
         [0004]    For example, due to symmetry of anatomy, it is not possible to examine a brain sectional image and determine which side is the left side of the brain and which is the right. An error here could result in surgery on the wrong side of a patient&#39;s head. Even for body areas with inherent asymmetry, for example the chest and abdomen, any person born with situs inversus, this anatomy is reversed, leading to confusion and possible errors. To-date, no foolproof system has been developed to determine the orientation used in producing these scanned images. Similarly, with standard X-ray a technician can miss label left versus right when he manually places a marker on the film cassette. 
         [0005]    Various systems have been developed to identify the orientation used in scanning systems. U.S. Pat. No. 6,678,353, issued to Graumann et al., discloses a method applied and an x-ray system for determining a spatial relationship of X-ray datasets measured independently of one another, an x-ray apparatus registers X-ray datasets of a patient and a scale is provided that makes position data available that are identifiable in at least one of the registered dataset. The position data serve for the determination of the spatial relationship between at least two X-ray datasets that were registered from different body portions of the patient. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,538, issued to Onik et al. is directed to a method and apparatus which allow for CT guided biopsies of the body. The method is based on the finding of a reference point on the patient&#39;s body that exactly correlates to a point on the CT scan. This is accomplished by means of a localization device placed on the patient&#39;s skin which can be identified in cross section on the CT scan. Measurements of the localization device on CT scan can then be correlated to the device on the patient. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,319,136, issued to Jinkins disclose a data transfer for cranial computerized tomography images that is substantially form-fitting and dome-shaped. First and second groups of elongated depth markers are positioned in front and in back, diametrically across from each other, and each depth marker extends from the peripheral edge of the cap toward the apex of the cap, the markers are positioned parallel to one another and each marker is graduated in length and terminates at its upper end in an enlargement. A plurality of longitudinal or circumferential markers are positioned between the first and second groups of depth markers and also extend from the peripheral edge of the cap toward the apex of the cap. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,060, issued to Schneider et al. is directed to an apparatus worn by a patient to provide a geometric reference for medical diagnostic data obtained from the patient has an element rigidly attachable to the patient, this element being connected to other components which emit a known and recognizable signal during the acquisition of medical diagnostic data, those components being used to establish a geometric reference for the data obtained from the patient. In one embodiment, a bite-down plate having a shape corresponding to the dentition of the patient is held in the mouth of the patient, and is connected to a rigid carrier having markings for geometrically referencing a tomographic image. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the worn element is a rigid ring worn by the patient as a headband, having a number of length-variable indicators, each of which having a scale, and also being connected to a member having a recognizable shape, or having markings, for a reference in tomographic imaging. Both embodiments can be used with other examination equipment, such as devices for obtaining biomagnetic signals, so that the respective data obtained from multiple examination devices can be geometrically correlated. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,220, issued to Perry discloses X-ray detectable fiducial markers are associated with a stereotactic surgery frame. The frame is fixed with respect to a patient&#39;s anatomy and defines a predetermined three-dimensional coordinate system in which surgical devices may be precisely positioned. A desired target area of the anatomy is detected in a cross-sectional CT scanner depiction of the combined stereotactic frame and patient anatomy. The target&#39;s coordinates with respect to the frame are calculated based on three non-collinear fiducial points also located within the cross-section and having known coordinates both with respect to the frame and with respect to the target. In the exemplary embodiment, detachable fiducial point-defining members are associated with a stereotactic surgical frame. 
         [0011]    For example, each member may be a plate having a series of parallel grooves or slots which progressively increase in length from one slot to the next. The frame coordinates of the end points of each slot are predetermined and known. Thus three fiducial points with respect to the frame can be determined by simply counting the number of slots or grooves contained within the cross-sectional depiction and thereby determining which end point is within such cross-section. 
         [0012]    It is an objective of the present invention to provide a failsafe method of identifying the orientation of a patient in a scanning procedure, especially sidedness, right versus left. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide this method of identification through apparatus adaptable to various types of scanning procedures. Finally, it is an objective of the present invention to provide such identification through inexpensive and disposable fixtures or apparatus that do not interfere with the scanning procedures. 
         [0013]    While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior radiological imaging orientation indicator inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above. 
         [0015]    (1) A radiological imaging orientation indicator providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. A linear indication member is provided. The indication member has a first end, a second end and substantially uniform cross-sectional shape. Means are provided for positioning the indication member adjacent a patient&#39;s body to reliably identify the orientation of the body. The shape of the positioning device conforms to the body in only a single orientation, establishing the reference point for the orientation indicator. When the linear indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. 
         [0016]    (2) In a variant of the invention, the indication member is in the form of an extruded letter, number or symbol. 
         [0017]    (3) In another variant, the indication member is attached adjacent the patient&#39;s body using means selected from the group consisting of looping and hooking fasteners, snaps, buckles, button, zippers, elastic bands and clips. 
         [0018]    (4) In still another variant, the indication member includes a first internal cavity. The first cavity extends from a first end of the member to a second end of the member and is in the form of either of a letter, number and symbol. When the linear indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member and the first cavity in the form of either of the letter, number and symbol will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. 
         [0019]    (5) In yet another variant, the first internal cavity is sealed at the first and second ends and includes at least one liquid located in it. The liquid indicates vertical orientation of the indication member. 
         [0020]    (6) In a further variant, the indication member includes a second internal cavity. The second cavity extends from a first end of the member to a second end of the member. The second cavity is partially filled with at least one liquid and is sealed at the first and second ends to prevent loss of the liquid. When the linear indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member and the second cavity will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image, the cross-section of the second cavity indicating vertical orientation of the indication member. The type of liquid in each cavity may be the same or different. 
         [0021]    (7) In still a further variant, the means for positioning the indication member adjacent the patient&#39;s body includes a pair of pants. The pants have a front closure means, a first side and a second side and are positionable upon the patient&#39;s body in only a single orientation. The indication member is attached to the first side. The pants are located on the patient&#39;s body with the indication member positioned adjacent an identified side of the patient&#39;s body. When the linear indication member is positioned adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. 
         [0022]    (8) In yet a further variant, the means for positioning the indication member adjacent the patient&#39;s body includes a face-mounted frame. The frame has nose-mounted portion, first and second ear-mounted portions attached to opposite sides of the nose-mounted portion and is positionable upon a patient&#39;s face in only a single orientation. The indication member is attached to the first ear-mounted portion. The face-mounted frame is located on the face of the patient with the indication member located adjacent an identified side of the patient&#39;s body. When the linear indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. 
         [0023]    (9) In another variant of the invention, the means for positioning the indication member adjacent the patient&#39;s body includes a vest. The vest has first and second chest panels. The chest panels extend outwardly from either side of a rear centerline and curve inwardly over a patient&#39;s chest. The first and second chest panels have first and second arm holes, respectively. The indication member is attached to the first chest panel. The vest is located on the patient&#39;s body with the indication member located adjacent an identified side of the patient&#39;s body. When the linear indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. This embodiment of the invention also includes a shoulder mounted means for positioning the indication member adjacent the patient&#39;s body. 
         [0024]    (10) In still another variant, the first and second chest panels are removably fastened together. 
         [0025]    (11) In yet another variant, the means for positioning the indication member adjacent the patient&#39;s body includes a chest-mounted garment. The garment has a front panel. The front panel has a first side, a second side, an inner surface, an outer surface and first and second arm notches. The indication member is attached to the outer surface at the first side. The chest-mounted garment is located on a chest of the patient with the indication member located adjacent an identified side of the patient&#39;s body. When the linear indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. 
         [0026]    (12) In a further variant, the means for positioning the indication member adjacent the patient&#39;s body includes a head-mounted positioning device. The head-mounted device has at least a partial head-encircling band. The band has a first portion and an opposite second portion and either a cap with a bill or a visor attached to the band between the first portion and the second portion. Either the cap with a bill or the visor is aligned over a nose of the patient. The indication member is attached to the first portion. The head-mounted positioning device is located on a patient&#39;s head with the indication member located adjacent an identified side of the patient&#39;s body. When the linear indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. 
         [0027]    (13) In still a further variant, the means for positioning the indication member adjacent the patient&#39;s body includes a foot-mounted positioning device. The foot-mounted device has a foot platform and a retaining upper attached to the platform. The upper has an attachment thong formed to fit between a large toe and other toes of only one foot of a patient. The indication member is attached to the foot-mounted positioning device and extends upwardly from it. The foot-mounted positioning device is located on the patient&#39;s foot with the indication member located adjacent an identified side of the patient&#39;s body. When the linear indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. 
         [0028]    (14) In yet a further variant, the means for positioning the indication member adjacent the patient&#39;s body includes a hand-mounted positioning device. The hand-mounted device has a palm cover, thumb opening and a retaining strap. The strap is attached across a back of a patient&#39;s hand. The hand-mounted device is shaped to fit only one hand of the patient. The indication member is attached to the hand-mounted positioning device and extends downwardly from it. The hand-mounted positioning device is located on the patient&#39;s hand with the indication member located adjacent an identified side of the patient&#39;s body. When the linear indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. The hand-mounted device could be in the form of a glove or a mitten. 
         [0029]    (15) In another variant, the indication member varies in cross-sectional width from the first end to the second end. The variation indicates a relative position of the sectional scanning image with respect to the patient&#39;s body. 
         [0030]    (16) In still another variant, a two dimensional orientation symbol is located orthogonally to a long axis of the indication member. The symbol appears in either a standard radiographic image or a computed tomography pilot image also known as a scout image. 
         [0031]    (17) In yet another variant, the means for positioning the indication member adjacent the patient&#39;s body includes a face-mounted positioning device. The face-mounted positioning device is sized and shaped to fit over at least a portion of a face of a patient in only a single orientation and has a first side edge and a second side edge. The indication member is attached adjacent to the first side edge. The face-mounted positioning device is located on the patient&#39;s face with the indication member located adjacent an identified side of the patient&#39;s body. When the linear indication member is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body with respect to the scanning image. 
         [0032]    (18) In a final variant, a radiological imaging indicator, includes an identifying collar. The collar has a neck recess, an outer surface, an inner surface, first and second arm notches, at least a body side indicator. The indicator is visible on radiological images. The identifying collar is located on a chest of the patient with the inner surface located against the chest and the arm notches about arms of the patient. When the patient receives a chest x-ray, the body side indicator will appear in the x-ray. This embodiment of the invention also includes a shoulder mounted means for positioning the radiological imaging indicator adjacent the patient&#39;s body. 
         [0033]    An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a linear indication member; 
           [0035]      FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment taken along the lines  1 A- 1 A; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternate linear indication member with a hollow internal cavity for containing liquids and a looping attachment means along its length; 
           [0037]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the  FIG. 2  embodiment taken along the lines  2 A- 2 A; 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternate linear indication member with two hollow internal cavity for containing liquids; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the  FIG. 3  embodiment taken along the lines  3 A- 3 A; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of a vest version of the invention illustrating attachment of the linear indication member; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 4  embodiment with closable front fastenings; 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a head mounted version of the invention with a visor; 
           [0043]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a head mounted version of the invention with a cap; 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a head mounted version of the invention with an eyeglass frame; 
           [0045]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a pants mounted version of the invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative chest mounted version of the invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a foot mounted version of the invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of a hand mounted version of the invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a linear indication member with an extruded, embedded letter E in a tapered body; 
           [0050]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a linear indication member with an identifying symbol orthogonal to the long axis of the member; 
           [0051]      FIG. 15  is a chest mounted identifying vest for conventional x-rays; 
           [0052]      FIG. 15A  is an illustration of a conventional x-ray illustrating the results of use of the  FIG. 15  embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 16  is an illustration of a radiological scan of a chest portion of a body illustrating use of the  FIG. 3  embodiment; 
           [0054]      FIG. 17  is an illustration of a radiological scan of a head illustrating use of the  FIG. 1  embodiment; 
           [0055]      FIG. 18  is an illustration of a radiographic CT scout scan illustrating use of the  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 10  embodiments; and 
           [0056]      FIG. 19  is a side elevational view of a face-mounted version of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0057]    (1)  FIGS. 4-12 ,  15  and  19  illustrate a radiological imaging orientation indicator  10  providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  13 ,  14 , and  16 - 18 , a linear indication member  14  is provided. The indication member  14  has a first end  18 , a second end  22  and substantially uniform cross-sectional shape  26 . Means  30  are provided for positioning the indication member  14  adjacent a patient&#39;s body  34  to reliably identify the orientation of the body  34 . When the linear indication member  14  is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image. 
         [0058]    (2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  1 A- 3 A,  13 ,  14 ,  16  and  17 , the indication member  14  is in the form of an extruded letter  38 , number  42  or symbol (not shown). 
         [0059]    (3) In another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the indication member  14  is attached adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  using means  50  selected from the group consisting of looping and hooking fasteners  54 , snaps (not shown), buckles (not shown), button (not shown), zippers (not shown), elastic bands (not shown) and clips (not shown). 
         [0060]    (4) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the indication member  14  includes a first internal cavity  86 . The first cavity  86  extends from a first end  18  of the member  14  to a second end  22  of the member  14  and is in the form of either of a letter  38 , number  42  and symbol. When the linear indication member  14  is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  and the first cavity  86  in the form of either of the letter  38 , number  42  and symbol will appear in the scanning image  36 , indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image  36 . 
         [0061]    (5) In yet another variant, the first internal cavity  86  is sealed at the first  18  and second  22  ends and includes at least one liquid  98  located in it. The liquid  98  indicates vertical orientation of the indication member  14 . 
         [0062]    (6) In a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the indication member  14  includes a second internal cavity  102 . The second cavity  102  extends from a first end  18  of the member  14  to a second end  22  of the member  14 . The second cavity  102  is partially filled with at least one liquid  98  and is sealed at the first  18  and second  22  ends to prevent loss of the liquid  98 . When the linear indication member  14  is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  and the second cavity  102  will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image  36 , the cross-section  44  of the second cavity  102  indicating vertical orientation of the indication member  14 , as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0063]    (7) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the means  30  for positioning the indication member  14  adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  includes a pair of pants  106 . The pants  106  have a front closure means  110 , a first side  114  and a second side  118  and are positionable upon the patient&#39;s body  34  in only a single orientation. The indication member  14  is attached to the first side  114 . The pants  106  are located on the patient&#39;s body  34  with the indication member  14  positioned adjacent an identified side  122  of the patient&#39;s body  34 . When the linear indication member  14  is positioned adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image  36 . 
         [0064]    (8) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the means  30  for positioning the indication member  14  adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  includes a face-mounted frame  126 . The frame  126  has nose-mounted portion  130 , first  134  and second  138  ear-mounted portions attached to opposite sides  142 ,  146  of the nose-mounted portion  130  and is positionable upon a patient&#39;s face (not shown) in only a single orientation. The indication member  14  is attached to the first ear-mounted portion  134 . The face-mounted frame  126  is located on the face of the patient with the indication member  14  located adjacent an identified side  122  of the patient&#39;s body  34 . When the linear indication member  14  is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  will appear in the scanning image  36 , indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image  36 . 
         [0065]    (9) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the means  30  for positioning the indication member  14  adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  includes a vest  158 . The vest  158  has first  162  and second  166  chest panels. The chest panels  162 ,  166  extend outwardly from either side of a rear centerline  170  and curve inwardly over a patient&#39;s chest  174 . The first  162  and second  166  chest panels have first  178  and second  182  arm holes, respectively. The indication member  14  is attached to the first chest panel  162 . The vest  158  is located on the patient&#39;s body  34  with the indication member  14  located adjacent an identified side  122  of the patient&#39;s body  34 . When the linear indication member  14  is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  will appear in the scanning image  36 , indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image  36 . 
         [0066]    (10) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first  162  and second  166  chest panels are removably fastened together. 
         [0067]    (11) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the means  30  for positioning the indication member  14  adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  includes a chest-mounted garment  186 . The garment  186  has a front panel  190 . The front panel  190  has a first side  194 , a second side  198 , an inner surface  202 , an outer surface  206  and first  210  and second  214  arm notches. The indication member  14  is attached to the outer surface  206  at the first side  194 . The chest-mounted garment  186  is located on a chest of the patient  218  with the indication member  14  located adjacent an identified side  122  of the patient&#39;s body  34 . When the linear indication member  14  is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  will appear in the scanning image  36 , indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image  36 . 
         [0068]    (12) In a further variant, As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the means  30  for positioning the indication member  14  adjacent the patient&#39;s body  36  includes a head-mounted positioning device  222 . The head-mounted device  222  has at least a partial head-encircling band  226 . The band  226  has a first  230  portion and an opposite second portion  234  and either a cap with a bill  238  or a visor  242  attached to the band  226  between the first portion  230  and the second portion  234 . Either the cap with a bill  238  or the visor  242  is aligned over a nose of the patient (not shown). The indication member  14  is attached to the first portion  230 . The head-mounted positioning device  222  is located on a patient&#39;s head  250  with the indication member  14  located adjacent an identified side  154  of the patient&#39;s body  34 . When the linear indication member  14  is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  will appear in the scanning image  36 , indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image  36 . 
         [0069]    (13) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the means  30  for positioning the indication member  14  adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  includes a foot-mounted positioning device  254 . The foot-mounted device  254  has a foot platform  258  and a retaining upper  262  attached to the platform  258 . The upper  262  has an attachment thong  266  formed to fit between a large toe (not shown) and other toes (not shown) of only one foot of a patient (not shown). The indication member  14  is attached to the foot-mounted positioning device  254  and extends upwardly from it. The foot-mounted positioning device  254  is located on the patient&#39;s foot with the indication member  14  located adjacent an identified side  122  of the patient&#39;s body  34 . When the linear indication member  14  is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  will appear in the scanning image  36 , indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image  36 . 
         [0070]    (14) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the means  30  for positioning the indication member  14  adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  includes a hand-mounted positioning device  270 . The hand-mounted device  270  has a palm cover  274 , thumb opening  278  and a retaining strap  282 . The strap  282  is attached across a back of a patient&#39;s hand (not shown). The hand-mounted device  270  is shaped to fit only one hand of the patient. The indication member  14  is attached to the hand-mounted positioning device  270  and extends downwardly from it. The hand-mounted positioning device  270  is located on the patient&#39;s hand with the indication member  270  located adjacent an identified side  154  of the patient&#39;s body  34 . When the linear indication member  14  is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  will appear in the scanning image  36 , indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image  36 . 
         [0071]    (15) In another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the indication member  14  varies in cross-sectional width from the first end  18  to the second end  22 . The variation indicates a relative position of the sectional scanning image  36  with respect to the patient&#39;s body  34 . 
         [0072]    (16) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , a two dimensional orientation symbol  286  is located orthogonally to a long axis  290  of the indication member  14 . The symbol  286  appears in either a standard radiographic image, as illustrated in  FIG. 15A , or a computed tomography pilot image also known as a scout image  292 , as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0073]    (17) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the means  30  for positioning the indication member  14  adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  includes a face-mounted positioning device  334 . The face-mounted positioning device  334  is sized and shaped to fit over at least a portion of a face  338  of a patient  34  in only a single orientation and has a first side edge  342  and a second side edge (not shown). The indication member  14  is attached adjacent to the first side edge  342 . The face-mounted positioning device  334  is located on the patient&#39;s face  338  with the indication member  14  located adjacent an identified side  154  of the patient&#39;s body  34 . When the linear indication member  14  is located adjacent the patient&#39;s body  34  and a sectional scanning image  36  is produced, a cross-section  40  of the indication member  14  will appear in the scanning image  36 , indicating an orientation of the patient&#39;s body  34  with respect to the scanning image  36 . 
         [0074]    (18) In a final variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a radiological imaging indicator  10 , includes an identifying collar  298 . The collar  298  has a neck recess  302 , an outer surface  306 , an inner surface  310 , first  314  and second  318  arm notches, a body side indicator  322  and a front of body indicator  326 . The indicators  322 ,  326  are visible on radiological images  294 . The identifying collar  298  is located on a chest of the patient  330  with the inner surface  310  located against the chest  330  and the arm notches  314 ,  318  about arms of the patient  320 . When the patient receives a chest x-ray  294 , the body side indicator  322  and the front of body indicator  326  will appear in the x-ray  294 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15A . 
         [0075]    The radiological imaging indicator  10  has been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.