What Does a Shoulder X Ray Look Like?

[@narinegrigoryan2197]

thank you so much ! that was great!

[@JeffreyWittyMD]

Glad it helped!

[@MiamiNeverIn]

I’m a struggling rad tech student. When looking at an X-ray image of the upper extremities like the shoulder girdle. What are landmarks that allow you to determine pt placement i.e. AP, PA, etc from a visual standpoint. Yes, markers are present but in class we don’t always have them. Any tips or tricks 🙏🏽

[@JeffreyWittyMD]

BTB, Getting a good x ray can be challenging, even for me. Off the top of my head it may be helpful to palpate the bony anatomy to help guide XR positioning. Obviously, having a good understanding of the anatomy would be critical for this. For example, if you can feel for the coracoid process along the front of the shoulder and center your beam in this location, you would be pretty close to the glenohumeral joint. Perhaps try this for other joints as well. Also, get a hold of some models (in particular "sawbones" - they are pricey so maybe your school can help provide for this). You can hold the model yourself and see how each different XR may change as you reposition the patient.