Unilateral projections of the ribs might be needed for which of the following patients?

Unilateral projections of the ribs are particularly beneficial for patients who exhibit hypersthenic body habitus. This type of body structure is characterized by a broad and stocky physique, which can pose challenges in visualizing certain anatomical structures, including the ribs. When a patient has a hypersthenic build, the ribs can be situated in a manner that makes it difficult to obtain clear, diagnostic images using standard bilateral projections.

By using unilateral projections, radiologists can focus on a specific side of the thorax, improving the chances of capturing detailed images of the ribs, lung fields, and other related structures without the interference from overlapping anatomy. This technique can provide clearer insights into potential pathologies or abnormalities in the ribs, which is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

In contrast, different body habiti ways, such as asthenic and sthenic, would require different projections based on their more slender or average builds, making unilateral projections less necessary for them in standard assessments. Therefore, the hypersthenic patient’s body type justifies the need for unilateral projections to ensure clear and diagnostically useful images.