Shoulder AP - External Rotation
Position the Patient
- Seated or standing
- Externally rotate arm
- Supinate hand (palm up)
Words That Work
“Stand with the back of your shoulder against the board and let your arm hang naturally. Turn your whole arm outward—not just your hand—until your palm and the crease of your elbow both face forward, like two headlights pointing in the same direction. Relax your shoulder and hold still.”
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AP shoulder external rotation
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- 1" inferior to coracoid process
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Entire shoulder girdle
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 70-75 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Arm not externally rotated (greater tubercle not in profile)
- •Rotation of the body
- •Shoulder joint not centered on IR
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Proximal humerus
- Clavicle
- Scapula
- Greater tubercle in profile
Does the image pass?
- ✓Greater tubercle clearly demonstrated
- ✓Shoulder joint centered