A clavicle AP is an anteroposterior X‑ray projection of the collarbone taken front-to-back to assess fractures, displacement, alignment, infections, or tumors. The patient sits or lies with the affected shoulder centered; the X‑ray beam is directed perpendicular to the clavicle (sometimes with a slight cephalic tilt) to improve visualization. It’s a quick diagnostic study used to guide treatment and follow-up.

An oblique view of an X-ray is taken with the patient or X‑ray beam rotated so the image plane is angled rather than straight front/back or pure side-on. This projection separates overlapping structures, improving visualization of bones, joints and the spine, and helps detect fractures, displacements or small lesions that can be hidden on standard anteroposterior or lateral views.

The best radiographic view to evaluate the clavicle is an AP axial (cephalic tilt) projection — an AP view with a 15–30° cephalic angulation. This projects the clavicle above the thoracic structures, shows both sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular ends, and better demonstrates fracture location and displacement. Additional views (e.g., axillary or Zanca) may be added for suspected AC joint injury.

Standard shoulder X‑ray uses two views: an anteroposterior (AP) view and an axillary (or scapular Y lateral) view. The AP shows the glenohumeral joint, humeral head, clavicle and acromion for fractures and arthritis; the axillary/Y view provides a true lateral perspective of the humeral head relative to the glenoid, essential for detecting anterior or posterior dislocations.

AP (anteroposterior) is an X‑ray projection where the beam passes front-to-back through the body, commonly used when patients can’t stand. Lateral view directs the beam from one side to the other, showing depth and side‑to‑side relationships. Oblique views are angled projections between AP and lateral, used to better visualize structures obscured on standard views, such as ribs, spine segments, or joint surfaces.

An oblique radiographic position means the patient or body part is rotated between frontal AP or PA and lateral views so the x‑ray beam passes at an angle. This projection separates overlapping structures, improving visualization of joints, ribs, spine and chest. It is named for the side or surface closest to the image receptor (for example, left anterior oblique).