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Axillary View of the Shoulder


- Discussion:
    - best true lateral view of shoulder;

- Allows Evaluation of:
    - head compression frx: (allows assessment of presence and size);
    - lesser tuberosity
           - lesser tuberosity is seen anteriorly as a small inverted V on anterior surface of the humeral head;
    - glenoid frxs
    - posterior dislocation
    - anterior instability (see anterior dislocation)
          - normally there is posterior translation of humeral head when arm is placed in extension and external rotation;
                - posterior translation is result of tension in anterior capsule & ligaments;
          - this posterior translation is absent in shoulders w/ anterior instability;
    - Os Acromiale:
          - Os acromiale: anatomy and surgical implications.

- Technique:
    - must be taken w/ arm abducted, not necessarily to 90 deg (optimal)
    - cassette is placed on the superior aspect of the shoulder;
    - arm is abducted enough to allow the radiographic beam to pass between chest and the arm in a direction perpendicular to cassette from shoulder;

- Trauma Axillary View:
    - does not require abduction of the arm (nor removal from sling);
    - the patient leans backward;
    - the x-ray plate is placed directly under the shoulder, and the x-ray tube is positioned directly above


Roentgenographic evaluation of suspected shoulder dislocation: a prospective study comparing the axillary view and the scapular 'Y' view.