An axial (axillary) view of the shoulder is an X‑ray taken along the horizontal (axial) plane through the glenohumeral joint. It shows the humeral head, glenoid, acromion, coracoid and scapular neck, helping assess joint alignment, anterior/posterior dislocation and small fractures. It’s obtained with the arm abducted (or by modified techniques if painful) and complements AP and scapular views.

The standard three shoulder X‑ray views are: 1) Anteroposterior (AP) — true AP of the glenohumeral joint to assess joint space, fractures and arthritis; 2) Axillary — an axial view for glenohumeral alignment and dislocations; 3) Scapular Y (lateral) — a lateral projection showing acromion, coracoid and humeral head relationship, useful for fractures/dislocation.

Position the patient seated or supine with the shoulder abducted about 70–90° and the elbow flexed; support the hand on the head or a sponge. Place the detector superior to the shoulder parallel to the joint. Direct the x‑ray beam through the axilla, centered on the glenohumeral joint, collimate to the joint, and ask the patient to hold breath briefly. Use shielding and markers.

The shoulder axillary view is an X-ray projection that images the glenohumeral joint from below through the axilla. It requires the arm abducted (or a modified supine position), allowing visualization of the humeral head, glenoid, and coracoid process. It’s especially useful for detecting anterior or posterior dislocations, assessing fracture fragments, and evaluating joint space and alignment when AP views are inconclusive.

A shoulder axial (axillary) X‑ray often requires raising or moving the arm, so it can be uncomfortable and may be painful if there’s an acute injury, fracture or severe shoulder pain. For most people it’s brief and only mildly uncomfortable; technologists can modify positioning or use alternative views (Velpeau/scapular‑Y) if movement is too painful. Tell staff about your pain so they can adapt the exam.

Standard shoulder radiography uses four views: true anteroposterior (AP) of the shoulder, AP oblique (Grashey) to profile the glenohumeral joint, an axillary (inferosuperior or axillary lateral) view to assess joint congruity and dislocation, and the scapular Y (lateral scapula) view to evaluate fractures and dislocation. Together they assess bony anatomy and joint alignment.