Scapula Y-View
Position the Patient
- Seated or standing
- Rotate patient 45-60° toward affected side
- Palpate scapula to ensure true lateral
- Keep arm neutral (no rotation)
Words That Work
“Turn your body toward the affected side. Keep your arm relaxed.”
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Y-view scapula positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- Scapulohumeral joint
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Entire scapula and proximal humerus
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 70-75 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Insufficient rotation for true lateral scapula
- •Arm rotated instead of kept neutral
- •Scapular body not superimposed
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Scapula in true lateral (Y shape)
- Humeral head
- Glenoid region
Does the image pass?
- ✓True lateral scapula (thin body of the scapula visible)
- ✓Humeral head centered over Y
- ✓Demonstrates dislocation if present