Humerus

Patient and part

The humerus can be taken erect or supine. For the AP, supinate the hand and abduct the arm slightly so the epicondyles are parallel to the IR. For the lateral, internally rotate the arm, flex the elbow about 90 degrees and rest the back of the hand on the hip, so the epicondyles are perpendicular to the IR. In trauma, take the arm as it lies and do not rotate it. Use a transthoracic lateral for the proximal humerus, or a horizontal-beam lateral with the IR between the arm and the body for the mid and distal humerus.