What is cone-cut artifact and how can it be avoided?

• A. A full image artifact due to overexposure; avoid by lowering exposure
• B. A partial image due to misalignment between beam and receptor; avoid by centering and proper alignment of PID and receptor
• C. A color artifact due to beam hardening; avoid by filtration
• D. A motion artifact; avoid by restraining the patient

Answer: (B)

Cone-cut artifact happens when the X-ray beam does not fully cover the receptor because the beam (cone/PID) isn’t centered or aligned with the receptor. Because part of the receptor isn’t irradiated, you get a partial, often edge-shaped, area of the image that is underexposed or blank. To avoid it, center the beam on the receptor and align the PID with the receptor so the beam is perpendicular and covers the entire image area. Use proper aiming, position the receptor correctly and hold it steady, and recheck the setup before exposure. This is different from overexposure (which would affect the whole image), beam hardening from filtration (color-like changes), or motion artifacts (blur from movement).