Shoulder Flashcards
How should the patient be positioned for an AP shoulder girdle X-ray?
- Erect, facing the X-ray tube
Rotate 10% toward the affected side (to make scapula parallel to IR)
Internally rotate affected arm (elbow flexed, forearm across chest)
Where should the central ray (HCR) be positioned for an AP shoulder girdle X-ray?
Approximately 2.5cm inferior to the coracoid process
What structures should be included in collimation for an AP shoulder girdle X-ray?
- Entire shoulder girdle
Entire clavicle
Entire scapula
Upper 1/3 of humerus
What are the technical exposure factors for an AP shoulder girdle X-ray?
- Centre Chamber – AEC
60-70 kVp
What should be included in the Region of Interest (ROI) for an AP shoulder girdle X-ray?
- Proximal humerus
Full scapula and clavicle
What key image criteria indicate a properly positioned AP shoulder girdle X-ray?
- Humeral head slightly superimposes the glenoid fossa
Lesser tuberosity seen in profile
Superolateral border of the scapula visible (without thorax superimposition)
What is the purpose of the AP Glenoid View (Glenohumeral Joint)?
To visualize the glenohumeral joint space and the glenoid labrum in profile.
How should the patient be positioned for an AP Glenoid View X-ray?
Erect, facing the X-ray tube
Rotate approximately 45° toward the affected side
Hand in neutral or external rotation (for some patients)
Where should the central ray (HCR) be positioned for an AP Glenoid View X-ray?
Approximately 1 cm inferior to the coracoid process.
What structures should be included in collimation for an AP Glenoid View X-ray?
The glenohumeral joint.
What should be demonstrated in an optimal AP Glenoid View X-ray?
✔️ Glenoid cavity in profile
✔️ Greater tuberosity in profile
✔️ Glenohumeral joint space should be open
✔️ Coracoid process partially superimposes the humeral head
✔️ Glenoid cavity free from thorax superimposition.
How can you tell if the patient is under-rotated in an AP Glenoid View X-ray?
The clavicle appears elongated, meaning it looks ‘stretched out’ compared to its normal appearance.
How can you tell if the patient is over-rotated in an AP Glenoid View X-ray?
The clavicle appears foreshortened, meaning it looks more distorted than usual.
What is included in the AP Shoulder view for trauma?
✔️ Humeral head
✔️ Clavicle
✔️ Scapula
✔️ No obliquity.
Why is the lateral humeral head view important in trauma?
It helps assess fractures, dislocations, and the alignment of the humeral head with the glenoid.
What is the purpose of the Gleno-Humeral Joint view in trauma?
It assesses joint alignment, glenoid fractures, and dislocations.
What is the purpose of the Axial (Infero-Superior) view?
✔️ Provides a clear view of the glenoid cavity
✔️ Helps evaluate humeral head position
✔️ Detects posterior dislocations.
Why is the lateral scapula view included in trauma protocols?
It allows visualization of scapular fractures and dislocations in relation to the thorax.
How should the patient be positioned for a Supero-Inferior Axial Shoulder view?
✔️ Seated with affected side next to IR
✔️ Lean well across the IR
✔️ Raise IR to mid-thoracic height
✔️ Abduct arm, elbow resting on detector/table
✔️ Tilt head away from the affected side
Where should the central ray be directed for a Supero-Inferior Axial Shoulder view?
✔️ Vertically angled (VCR) 5-10° towards elbow
✔️ Center on glenohumeral joint
What should be visible in a correctly positioned Supero-Inferior Axial Shoulder X-ray?
✔️ Humeral head & glenoid fossa relationship
✔️ Inferior & superior glenoid margins superimposed
✔️ Proximal humerus without distortion
✔️ Lesser tuberosity in profile
✔️ Coracoid process in profile, pointing superiorly
✔️ AC joint superimposing humeral head
✔️ Humeral head centered in collimated field
What precaution should be taken to protect the patient’s head?
✔️ Check collimation light to ensure head is not irradiated
How should the patient be positioned for an Axial (Infero-Superior) Shoulder X-ray?
✔️ Supine with shoulder slightly elevated
✔️ Arm abducted 90°
✔️ IR placed along superior shoulder, snug against the neck
✔️ Arm externally rotated as far as possible
Where should the central ray be directed for an Axial (Infero-Superior) Shoulder X-ray?
✔️ Horizontally to the axilla
✔️ 15° medial angulation