Humerus Lateral
Position the Patient
- Seated or standing
- Flex elbow 90°
- Internally rotate arm
- Place palm on hip or behind back
- Ensure shoulder and elbow are in the same plane
Words That Work
“Stand with the back of your affected shoulder and upper arm against the board. Bend your elbow into an L-shape and place your palm on your hip, like placing your hand over a side pocket. Let your shoulder relax while I adjust your arm until the two bony bumps of your elbow are lined up for a true side view. Hold still.”
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Lateral humerus positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- Mid-humerus
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Entire humerus including shoulder and elbow joints
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 65-70 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Epicondyles not superimposed (not true lateral)
- •Shoulder or elbow joint cut off
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Entire humerus
- Lesser tubercle
- Shoulder and elbow joints
Does the image pass?
- ✓True lateral (epicondyles superimposed)
- ✓Shoulder and elbow included
- ✓Lesser tubercle in profile