Patient seated or standing beside the detector. Elbow flexed 90° with the forearm vertical and the hand in true lateral (thumb up) so medial and lateral epicondyles are superimposed. Humerus and forearm lie in the same plane. Central X‑ray beam is perpendicular to the mid‑shaft or area of interest. Immobilize and include adjacent joints (shoulder/wrist) as required.

A lateral X‑ray is a side‑to‑side radiographic projection where the X‑ray beam passes from one side of the body to the other, producing a profile image. It shows depth and spatial relationships of bones and soft tissues, helping assess fractures, alignment, joint spaces, spinal curvature, or chest issues like fluid or consolidation. Patients stand, sit, or lie with the affected side against the image receptor.

Position the patient upright (or supine if needed) with the affected shoulder against the image receptor. Rotate the body 45–60° until the scapula forms a Y-shape; place the arm across the chest. Direct the central ray to the scapulohumeral joint (approx. coracoid level), collimate to the shoulder, and instruct a breath-hold. For suspected displaced fracture use a transthoracic lateral with the unaffected arm raised.

Position the patient seated or standing with the elbow flexed 90° and the forearm resting laterally on the image receptor. Place the hand in a true lateral (thumb up) so the radius and ulna are superimposed. Include wrist and elbow. Direct the central ray perpendicular to mid‑forearm, collimate to the area of interest, set exposure, use lead shielding and a side marker, and ask the patient to remain still.

AP (anteroposterior) is taken front‑to‑back—often supine or portable—so the heart appears magnified, clavicles are more horizontal, and scapulae may project over the lung fields. Lateral is side‑to‑side (usually left lateral) and shows lung depth: vertebral bodies edge‑on, clear retrosternal and retrocardiac spaces, and layering pleural effusions. Use lateral to localize lesions seen on AP.

Position the patient with the side of interest against the image receptor (standing, sitting, or decubitus). Align the midsagittal plane perpendicular to the receptor and ensure the area is centered. Remove clothing/metal, apply lead shielding, move arms out of the field, immobilize, and instruct breath hold for chest/abdomen. Center the x‑ray beam perpendicular to the receptor at the anatomical level and expose.