Show Citation, DOI & article dataCitation: Murphy, A., Fahrenhorst-Jones, T. Shoulder (supine lateral view). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 13 Sep 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-51492 The supine lateral scapula view (anterior oblique AP) is a modified lateral shoulder projection often utilized in trauma imaging. Orthogonal to the AP shoulder (note so is an axillary view); It is a pertinent projection to assess suspected dislocations, scapula fractures and degenerative changes. This projection is best suited to trauma patients who are not on spinal precautions, for patients on spinal precautions that require a lateral shoulder radiograph see modified supine lateral shoulder. On this page:The supine lateral view is performed to identify dislocations and scapula fractures when patients are unable to stand or sit for shoulder imaging but able to roll whilst being supine. If patients are unable to roll, the modified supine lateral view can be performed instead.
The lateral scapula projection can be technically demanding, especially when patients are in pain. An anecdotal method amongst radiographers is to feel for the medial border of the scapula and line it up with the anterior portion of the acromion and x-ray straight down the line. The idea being, if they are lined up there will be a superimposition of the medial and lateral borders of the scapula and hence a perfect lateral position, although this isn't always the case. The best defense against positional errors is having a thorough understanding of radiographic anatomy and how it changes positionally when assessing for under/over rotation of the lateral shoulder, asses the borders of the scapula. Over rotationOver rotation in this projection refers to the patient's affected side sitting too far away from the image receptor, otherwise known as lying ‘too square’ to the detector. Over-rotation is clearly established as the lateral border of the scapular (significantly thicker than the medial) is projected over the thorax along with the humeral head; to adjust this, rotated the affected side towards the image receptor slightly. Under rotationUnder rotation in this projection refers to the patient's affected side sitting too close to the image receptor, otherwise known as lying ‘flat’ to the detector. The lateral border, as well as the humeral head, will be sitting overly lateral in the image; to fix this, rotated the affected side away from the detector to increase obliquity. Related articles: Imaging in practicePromoted articles (advertising)What is the patient position required for lateral projection of the scapula for trauma patients?Shoulder (supine lateral view)
What is the lateral projection of the scapular spine?The supine lateral scapula view (anterior oblique AP) is a modified lateral shoulder projection often utilized in trauma imaging. Orthogonal to the AP shoulder (note so is an axillary view); It is a pertinent projection to assess suspected dislocations, scapula fractures and degenerative changes.
What is a lateral scapula?the scapula is clearly demonstrated in a lateral profile, giving the clear appearance of a 'Y' acromion and the coracoid process form the upper arms of the 'Y' if intact, the humeral head is superimposed at the base of the 'Y'
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