An elbow X-ray doesn't require special preparation. You may be asked to remove some clothing like scarves, jackets, jewellery, or metal objects that might interfere with the image. Patient is sitting next to the table at 90 degrees elbow flexion, the shoulder, elbow and wrist are kept in the same horizontal plane rotate the hand so the thumb points towards the ceiling, ensuring that complete arm from the wrist to the humerus are in the same plane.