The Shoulder

Things to know  3 views AP, Lateral, Transthoracic  10 x 12 cassette  Marker  Shield  Collimation  Measures 12 on AP and Lateral 

AP External Rotation  10 x 12 crosswise  Place the posterior side of the shoulder to IR  center shoulder to center of IR  Externally rotate arm until the epicondyles are parallel with IR  Hold breath

CR 3/4 inch inferior to coracoid process SID 40

Seen on Film  The Proximal humerus  2/3 of clavicle  The upper scapula  The greater tubercle in profile

AP Internal Rotation  10x 12 crosswise  Same position as external  But rotate the arm internally until the epicondyles are perpendicular to IR  Hold breath

CR ¾ inch inferior to coracord SID 40

Seen on film  The lesser tubercle in profile

Transthoracic  10 x 12 lengthwise  Measure 34 

Positioning Transthoracic  Place affected shoulder against IR  Raise the good arm over the head  Center the surgical neck to IR  Patient in true lateral position  Breath normally

CR directed through surgical neck SID 40

Seen on film  Lateral view of the proximal half of humerus  No superimposition of other shoulder

The Humerus

The AP and Lateral Projections  Cassette size 14 x17 lengthwise  One cassette per view  Measures 9   Shield  Mark  Collimate  Hold breath

Part Position for AP  Place patient’s shoulder in contact with table or bucky.  Extend the arm as far as patient is able  Abduct arm slightly and supinate hand until the epi-condyles are parallel with IR

Central Ray perpendicular to Mid-Humerus SID 40

Seen on Radiograph for AP  The entire humerus including both joints  The greater tubercle is seen in profile laterally  lateral and medial epi-condyles in profile.

Part Position for Lateral  Same position as AP  Internally rotate the hand until the epi- condyles are perpedicular with IR

CR Mid-Humerus SID 40

Seen on radiograph for lateral  Entire humerus including both joints  The epi-condyles are superimposed  The lesser tubercle is seen in profile medially.