Shoulder radiography

Question 1

2 common views taken for shoulder radiography

Answer 1

Lateral
Caudo-cranial

Question 2

How is a lateral shoulder radiograph done

Answer 2

Technically this is a medio-lateral view/ projection
The limb to be radiographed is pulled into extension using a rope tie (this also pulls the shoulder joint away from the neck soft tissues)
The upper limb is moved caudally out of the way with a rope tie
The neck is flexed dorsally and secured using a sandbag (this moves the cervical spine so it does not superimpose over the shoulder joint)#
Foam pad under the chest to ensure the dog is parallel to the table and assist shoulder extension

Question 3

How is a caudo-cranial shoulder radiograph done

Answer 3

The dog is put in dorsal recumbency with the limb to be radiographed pulled cranially into extension
The limb is pulled slightly away from the midline (approx. 5 degrees)
A sandbag may be use to push the head and neck slightly away from the limb
Xray goes through the joint from caudal aspect to cranial aspect

Question 4

Centring and collimation for lateral shoulder radiograph

Answer 4

The exposed area should include the distal 50% of the scapula and proximal 50% of the humerus
Collimate to include soft tissues cranial and caudal to shoulder
The centre of collimation should be the shoulder joint (just distal to the acromion)

Question 5

Where is the glenoid cavity

Answer 5

Joint space at the shoulder

Question 6

What is visible in well positioned lateral shoulder radiograph

Answer 6

the joint space should be well visualised and there should be no overlying tissue (common mistakes are; other limb, neck tissue, trachea, cervical spine)
Some radiographers deliberately try to overlie the shoulder joint with the trachea to increase contrast

Question 7

Centring and collimation for caudo-cranial shoulder radiograph

Answer 7

Aim to hold the long axis of scapula and humerus in line with each other
Centre at the middle of the shoulder joint (just distal to the acromion)
Collimate to include the distal 50% of the scapula and proximal 50% of the humerus
Collimate to include the lateral and medial soft tissues

Question 8

What can you see in a well positioned caudo-cranial shoulder radiograph

Answer 8

A well positioned radiograph has the scapula and humerus in line with each other
Centring on the middle of the joint means there is good visualisation of the joint space

Question 9

What are osteophytes

Answer 9

new bone growth

Question 10

what is sclerosis

Answer 10

an induration or hardening, especially of a part from inflammation, or in disease of the interstitial substance