Shoulder, Scapula, Clavicle, and A-C Joints Evaluation

Flashcards designed to assist in reviewing key concepts about image evaluation for the shoulder, scapula, clavicle, and A-C joints.

What does external rotation of the humerus show in X-ray evaluation?

Head of humerus with greater tubercle in profile on lateral aspect.

What is seen in internal rotation of the humerus during an X-ray?

Head of humerus with lesser tubercle in profile and pointing medially.

What characterizes a neutral rotation of the humerus?

Partial superimposition of greater tubercle over humeral head.

How should the humeral epicondyles be oriented in external rotation?

Parallel to the image receptor (IR).

How should the humeral epicondyles be oriented in internal rotation?

Perpendicular to the image receptor (IR).

What is the key identification in the PA Oblique: Y View?

No superimposition of the body of the scapula over the bony thorax.

What indicates proper patient rotation for shoulder X-ray?

Patient rotated properly 45-60 degrees.

What is the evaluation criterion for the scapula in an AP view?

Scapula horizontal, not obliqued.

How must the scapula be visible in an AP Scapula evaluation?

Through lung and ribs, lateral portion free from superimposition of the ribs.

What are the criteria for the lateral scapula view?

No superimposition of scapula over ribs, entire scapula visible.

What is the significance of the scapula's position in the Y View?

The scapula should be free from superimposition of the bony thorax.

In the Grashey method, what indicates improper rotation?

Joint space not opened; under rotated.

What could indicate the clavicle is not in true AP view?

Scapula not placed in a true AP to the IR.

What are the AP criteria for clavicle evaluation?

Entire clavicle and uniform density.

How should the clavicle appear in an AP Axial view?

Most of the clavicle projected above the ribs.

What is a proper evaluation criterion for A-C joints?

Both A-C joints visible with some soft tissue without rotation or leaning.

In an AP view of the clavicle, what suggests improper tube angle?

Clavicle not entirely above the ribs.

What should not happen in a lateral scapula view?

Superimposition of scapula over ribs.

What dictates a true lateral view of the scapula?

Patient's arm not abducted.

What indicates the patient is under-rotated in a shoulder X-ray?

Almost the entire scapula is visible in the lung field.

What should be evaluated for the humeral head in the Y view?

Open joint space between the humeral head and glenoid cavity.

How should the patient be oriented for a glenoid cavity evaluation?

Rotated 35 to 45 degrees toward the affected side.

What happens if the scapula is not parallel to the IR?

The joint space may not open.

What is the evaluation criterion for A-C joints concerning patient positioning?

No rotation or leaning observed.

What is the main focus during the Grashey method for AP oblique?

Opening the joint space.

What might indicate the patient is not centered correctly in a Y View?

The head of the humerus does not align with the coracoid and acromion processes.

What anatomical structures should be superimposed correctly in a scapula view?

Vertebral and lateral borders.

What constitutes proper scapula visualization on an X-ray?

Lateral portion free of rib superimposition.

Why is it important that the humerus is not positioned incorrectly in shoulder radiography?

To ensure the head of humerus aligns properly with shoulder structures.

What should be visible in the final X-ray for clavicle and shoulder evaluation?

Entire clavicle and appropriate joint spaces.

What is checked for proper rotation in shoulder X-ray?

Confirming no superimposition of structures.

What indicates correct positioning of the arm during shoulder imaging?

Arm resting down by the patient's side.

What happens if the scapula is not horizontal in an AP view?

It suggests improper positioning.

What anatomical features should an AP X-ray show clearly in terms of the humeral alignment?

Humeral epicondyles direction and tubercle visibility.

What do you evaluate for superimposition in scapula and shoulder imaging?

Ensuring no overlap between scapula and thorax.