A shoulder X‑ray shows bone structure and joint alignment, detecting fractures, dislocations, degenerative arthritis, joint space narrowing, bone spurs, calcifications (e.g., calcific tendinitis), bone infections or tumors, and implanted hardware. It also reveals malalignment or degenerative changes after injury or surgery. X‑rays don’t reliably show soft‑tissue injuries (rotator cuff or labral tears), which need ultrasound or MRI.

For most unexplained shoulder pain, MRI is the preferred scan because it shows soft tissues—rotator cuff, labrum, tendons and cartilage—and detects tears, inflammation or impingement. Plain X‑ray is the usual first-line test to assess bones and arthritis. Ultrasound is a good, dynamic, lower-cost option for rotator cuff evaluation and guided procedures; CT is reserved for complex bony injuries.

Costs vary widely. In India a shoulder X‑ray often runs about ₹200–₹1,000 at diagnostic centers. In the UK it’s free on the NHS; private clinics charge roughly £40–£120. In the US self‑pay prices typically range $100–$500, while insured patients usually pay a copay or negotiated rate of ~$20–$100. Final price depends on location, facility and extra views or reports.

The three standard shoulder X‑ray views are anteroposterior (AP) — typically in external rotation to show the glenohumeral joint and acromioclavicular alignment; axillary view — projects the humeral head relative to the glenoid to detect dislocation; and the scapular Y (lateral) view — profiles the scapula and helps distinguish anterior versus posterior dislocation and assess fractures.

Shoulder pain can arise from soft-tissue injuries like rotator-cuff tendinopathy or tears, bursitis and impingement; adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder); joint problems such as osteoarthritis or labral tears; dislocations or fractures; and overuse or repetitive strain. Pain may also be referred from the neck (cervical radiculopathy) or, less commonly, from infection or inflammatory conditions. Severity and pattern guide diagnosis and treatment.

Red flags for shoulder pain include sudden severe pain after major trauma, visible swelling, redness, warmth or fever (infection), new numbness or weakness, inability to lift or move the arm, worsening night pain that wakes you, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer, and associated chest pain or breathlessness. These require prompt medical assessment.