Shoulder

Patient and part

Erect is preferred. For the AP shoulder in external rotation, supinate the hand so the humeral epicondyles are parallel to the IR. For internal rotation, turn the back of the hand against the thigh so the epicondyles are perpendicular to the IR. Neutral rotation, palm against the thigh, sits in between. For the Grashey method, rotate the patient 35 to 45 degrees toward the affected side, a posterior oblique, so the scapula lies parallel to the IR. For trauma, the scapular Y is a PA oblique with the patient turned 45 to 60 degrees, affected side toward the IR. The transthoracic lateral puts the affected side against the IR with the opposite arm raised over the head.