Lateral: of Shoulder (Tangential or Y view)
- contour of the scapula projects as the letter Y
- downward stem of the Y is projected by body of the scapula;
- upper forks are projected by the coracoid process anteriorly and by the spine and acromion posteriorly;
- glenoid is located at the junction of the stem;
- normally, humeral head is at the center of the arms;
- Specific Uses:
- w/ posterior shoulder dislocation, head lies posterior to glenoid & in anterior dislocations it is anterior to glenoid;
- eventhoug AP view may suggest posterior dislocation, a scapulolateral x-ray will confirm the diagnsosi
- note: that axillary view is best true lateral view of shoulder;
- accomplished by placing anterior aspect of affected shoulder against x-ray plate and rotating other shoulder out approximately 40 deg;
- x-ray tube is then placed posteriorly along scapular spine, & this provides a true lateral view of the shoulder
Roentgenographic evaluation of suspected shoulder dislocation: a prospective study comparing the axillary view and the scapular 'Y' view.
Original Text by Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD.
Last updated by Data Trace Staff on Sunday, June 24, 2012 3:37 pm