ExtremitiesFull access
Clavicle, AC Joints, SC Joints and Scapula
Angle cephalad for an AP axial clavicle, hang equal weights from the wrists for AC joints, and the SC joint closest to the IR is the one shown.
Clavicle
The clavicle is shown with an AP or PA projection and an axial. For the AP, the patient is supine or erect, CR perpendicular to the midshaft, 40 inches, exposed at the end of inspiration. The AP axial angles the CR 15 to 30 degrees cephalad to project the clavicle above the scapula and ribs. Thin, asthenic patients need more angle, closer to 30 degrees, and broad, hypersthenic patients need less, closer to 15. A PA axial reverses this with a caudad angle, which brings the clavicle closer to the IR for less magnification.