The best radiographic view for the clavicle is an AP view with cephalic (cranial) tube angulation of about 15–30°, which projects the entire clavicle without foreshortening and shows fracture alignment and displacement. Standard practice is to obtain AP plus a cephalic-tilt view; CT is reserved for complex, comminuted, intra-articular, or surgically planned injuries.

Clavicle AP is an anteroposterior X‑ray view of the clavicle used to evaluate fractures, healing, alignment and joint involvement. The patient is positioned upright or supine and the X‑ray beam is directed front‑to‑back to image the entire clavicle. Additional angled or apical views may be obtained to better visualize displacement or nonunion. It helps guide treatment decisions and follow‑up.

The AP axial projection of the clavicle is an X‑ray view where the patient is positioned supine or upright and the central ray is angled cephalad (typically 15–30°) toward the clavicle. This projects the clavicle above thoracic structures, reduces foreshortening, and better visualizes medial and lateral ends to assess fractures, displacements, or deformities.

Place the patient upright or supine with shoulders relaxed and arms at sides. Take an AP projection centered on the mid‑clavicle and an AP axial view with 15–30° cephalad angulation to better profile the bone. Immobilize suspected fractures, use appropriate shielding, and instruct the patient to suspend respiration during exposure. Add shoulder or chest views if trauma is suspected.

A clavicle X-ray typically costs about $50–$300 at outpatient clinics in the U.S.; uninsured charges can be $100–$500 or higher. With insurance you’ll usually pay a small copay or part of the deductible. In India it’s roughly ₹200–₹1,200. In the UK it’s generally free for residents. Final price depends on facility, imaging views, and radiologist reporting.

The three standard shoulder X‑ray views are: AP (anteroposterior) — shows the glenohumeral joint, humeral head and proximal humerus for fractures and arthritis; axillary (axillary lateral) — visualizes the relationship between the glenoid and humeral head to detect dislocation; scapular Y (lateral scapular) — assesses anterior/posterior dislocation and scapular body, acromion and coracoid alignment.