Radiographic Positioning: Radiographic Positioning of a Trauma Shoulder

TRAUMA SHOULDER

ROUTINE POSITIONS (trauma):
"Y" view
True AP
AP Neutral

ADDITIONAL VIEW:
Axillary

"Y" View
1. 10 x 12 lengthwise
2. Patient supine or upright
3. Palpate the borders of the scapula and rotate the patient until the scapula is in true lateral position.
4. Bucky
5. 40" SID
6. Central Ray: direct to midvertebral border of scapula, film placed 2 inches above shoulder.
7. Used to demonstrate dislocation
8. Expiration

True AP
1. 10 x 12 crosswise
2. Patient supine or upright
3. Rotate body approximately 35o toward side of interest, posterior aspect of arm and shoulder should be in contact with table.
4. Bucky
5. 40" SID
6. Expiration

AP Neutral
1. 10 x 12 crosswise
2. Patient supine or standing
3. Do not rotate patient's arm
4. Bucky
5. 40" SID
6. Central Ray: perpendicular to film, center to coracoid process
7. Expiration