Abstract: A method of aligning a C-arm of an image intensifier for rotation in a selected plane, the C-arm having a transmitter mounted at one end and a receiver mounted at an opposite end, comprising: identifying the selected plane by viewing the location of bony structures with the image intensifier;and aligning indicia disposed on a radio-opaque reticle covering at least a portion of the receiver with the selected plane, the indicia being aligned with the plane of rotation of the C-arm, thereby aligning the plane of the C-arm with the selected plane.