X Ray Clavicle AP View

The best radiographic view for the clavicle is the AP axial (cephalic tilt) projection, typically with a 15–30° cephalic angulation. This elevates the clavicle above the thoracic ribs, improving visualization of the shaft and medial/lateral ends and aiding fracture detection and displacement assessment. The film is centered on the mid-clavicle; the patient may be imaged upright or supine depending on clinical condition.

Clavicle AP is an anteroposterior X‑ray view of the clavicle where the beam passes front-to-back with the patient seated or supine and the shoulder in neutral. The film is centered over the mid‑clavicle to assess fractures, displacement, alignment, and healing. Additional angled (AP axial) views may be obtained to better visualize medial or lateral clavicular ends and subtle fractures.

The AP (anteroposterior) view is an x‑ray projection where the beam passes from the front (anterior) to the back (posterior) of the body toward the detector. It’s commonly used for portable or supine exams when patients can’t stand. AP films can magnify the heart and mediastinum and often have lower image detail compared with the standard PA (posteroanterior) view.

Patient upright (or supine) with back against the detector; AP and AP axial views are obtained. For AP, center mid-clavicle to the image receptor with arms by the sides. For AP axial, angle the central ray 15–30° cephalad to project the clavicle above the thorax. Suspend respiration at full inspiration and include both sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints.

Basic radiographic views of the clavicle are an AP (frontal) view to assess overall alignment and fractures; an AP cephalic-tilt (about 15–30°) to project the clavicle above the thorax and better profile the shaft; and an axial/serendipity or oblique view (often ~45°) for detailed assessment of the medial or lateral ends, AC/SC joints, or complex injuries.

A standard shoulder X-ray includes three views: AP (anteroposterior) — shows the glenohumeral joint, humeral head, and acromioclavicular joint; axillary view — visualizes the relationship between humeral head and glenoid, useful for dislocations; scapular Y (lateral) view — assesses the scapular body, acromion, coracoid and fracture alignment.