All too commonly, a radiographic evaluation of the shoulder consists of two anteroposterior views of the rotated proximal humerus, which are taken perpendicular to the frontal axis of the thorax. FIGURE 5-1 AP radiograph of the shoulder taken in the plane of the thorax. Note that the film is actually an oblique view of the glenohumeral joint.
In a study of 120 patients, Strauss and colleagues 49 stated that a special set of x-rays could confirm the diagnosis of anterior shoulder instability with 95% accuracy. The x-rays were the anteroposterior view of the shoulder in internal rotation and the Hermodsson, axillary lateral, Stryker notch, Didiee, and West Point views.
Typical X-ray findings in posterior shoulder dislocation include: 1 AP view: the glenohumeral joint will be widened and the humeral head will take on a classic “light bulb” appearance due… 2 Lateral view: the humeral head will lie posterior to the glenoid fossa. More …