What is X-RAY SHOULDER AP LAT

The shoulder AP view is a standard projection that makes up the two-view shoulder series. The projection demonstrates the shoulder in its natural anatomical position allowing for adequate radiographic examination of the entire clavicle and scapula, as well as the glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, and sternoclavicular joints of the shoulder girdle.

Indications

This view helps in visualizing potential fractures or dislocations to the proximal humerus and shoulder girdle in a trauma setting. Additionally, this view is useful in assessing for degenerative diseases which may be seen as calcium deposits in bursal structures, muscles, or tendons around the shoulder.

Patient position

• The patient is preferably erect


• The midcoronal plane of the patient is parallel to the image receptor, in other words, the patient's back is against the image receptor


• Glenohumeral joint of the affected side is at the center of the image receptor


• The affected arm is in a neutral position by the patient side


• The patient is slightly rotated 5-10° toward the affected side. Therefore, the body of the scapula is laying parallel with the image receptor

Technical factors

• Anteroposterior projection


• Centering point
  
  
  • 2.5 cm inferior to the coracoid process, or 2 cm inferior to the lateral clavicle at the level of the glenohumeral joint


• Collimation
  
  
  • Superior to the skin margins
  
  
  • Inferior to include one-third of the proximal humerus
  
  
  • Lateral to include the skin margin
  
  
  • Medial to include the sternoclavicular joint


• Orientation
  
  
  • Landscape


• Detector size
  
  
  • 24 cm x 30 cm


• Exposure
  
  
  • 60-70 kVp
  
  
  • 10-18 mAs
  
  
• SID
  
  
  • 100 cm


• Grid
  
  
  • Yes (This can vary departmentally)