ExtremitiesFull access
Shoulder film check
External rotation puts the greater tubercle in profile, internal rotation the lesser, Grashey opens the joint, and the Y or axillary shows where the head really sits.
External and internal rotation
For the AP shoulder in external rotation, turn the hand palm up so the epicondyles are parallel to the IR. The greater tubercle shows in profile on the lateral edge of the humeral head. For internal rotation, turn the hand palm down, back of the hand on the hip, so the epicondyles are perpendicular. The lesser tubercle shows in profile on the medial side, and the humeral head looks rounder. Center about 1 inch below the coracoid. In trauma, do not rotate the arm: take a neutral AP and a second view instead.