For an AP humerus X‑ray the patient stands or lies supine with the arm by the side, elbow extended if possible and forearm supinated (palm forward). Rotate the arm so the humeral epicondyles are parallel to the image receptor, centering the mid‑shaft on the cassette. Include shoulder and elbow joints; direct the central ray perpendicular to the mid‑humerus.

An AP (anteroposterior) X‑ray is used when patients cannot stand or need bedside imaging. It visualizes chest structures (lungs, heart, mediastinum), detects pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and rib or clavicle fractures, and confirms placement of lines, tubes, or bone/joint alignment in trauma. Performed supine or seated with the beam front‑to‑back, AP films may mildly magnify the cardiac silhouette versus PA views.

A humerus fracture is a break in the upper arm bone, commonly from falls, direct trauma or high-energy injury. Presentation includes pain, swelling, deformity and reduced shoulder or elbow movement. Diagnosis uses X-rays or CT for complex cases. Treatment ranges from sling or brace and physiotherapy to surgical fixation for displaced or open fractures. Complications can include nerve or vessel injury and stiffness; prognosis is generally good with appropriate care.

A normal humerus X-ray shows a smooth, continuous cortical outline without fractures or periosteal elevation. The proximal head, greater and lesser tubercles and surgical neck appear well aligned with the glenoid; the shaft shows uniform bone density and a normal trabecular pattern. Distal condyles align with the elbow joint with preserved joint spaces. Soft tissues are normal; in children growth plates are intact.

PA (posteroanterior): patient faces the detector, X‑ray travels back-to-front; scapulae lie lateral to lung fields, clavicles are symmetric, and cardiac silhouette size is reliable. AP (anteroposterior): X‑ray travels front-to-back, often done supine/portable; scapulae project over lungs, clavicles appear more horizontal, and the heart is commonly magnified. Confirm with image markers or labels.

A humerus X‑ray visualizes the upper arm bone from shoulder to elbow. It shows bone shape, alignment and joint relationships (shoulder and elbow), fracture lines, dislocations, growth plates in children, bone lesions or infections, cortical integrity and signs of healing. It can also indicate bone density changes and reveal surgical implants or foreign bodies near the humerus.