A lateral shoulder X‑ray is a side‑view radiograph of the shoulder that shows the humeral head, glenoid, acromion, clavicle and scapula from a lateral angle. Often obtained as a scapular‑Y or lateral projection, it helps detect fractures, dislocations, joint space narrowing, bone lesions and calcifications. The exam is quick, low‑radiation, and usually done standing or supine with other views for full assessment.

Position the patient upright or supine with the affected side against the image receptor. Rotate the torso about 45–60° so the scapula is perpendicular to the receptor (scapular Y/lateral view). Keep the arm in neutral rotation across the abdomen. Center the x‑ray beam on the scapulohumeral joint, collimate to include scapula, clavicle and proximal humerus, use a marker and suspend respiration.

Standard shoulder X‑ray includes three views: 1) Anteroposterior (AP) — assesses the glenohumeral joint, humeral head and acromioclavicular joint; 2) Axillary — visualizes glenoid‑humeral relationship and detects dislocations; 3) Scapular Y (lateral) — shows scapular body, acromion and coracoid alignment, helpful for fractures and posterior dislocation. These three complementary views allow comprehensive assessment of fractures, joint space, and alignment.

A lateral view on an X‑ray is a side‑on image taken with the X‑ray beam passing from one side of the body to the other, perpendicular to front‑to‑back views. It shows depth and spatial relationships of bones and soft tissues, helps detect displacement, fractures, collapses, or fluid levels, and complements frontal views to localize lesions and clarify overlapping structures for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Shoulder radiography typically includes an AP (anteroposterior) view—often in internal and external rotation—plus an axillary view or scapular Y (oblique) view to assess alignment. Additional projections (Grashey/true AP, outlet, Stryker notch, transthoracic) are used for fractures, dislocations, glenohumeral joint space, acromion morphology, or suspected rotator cuff calcifications. Choice depends on the clinical question and trauma.

AP (anteroposterior) X‑ray sends the beam front-to-back, typically used when patients lie supine or can’t stand; it can enlarge structures and gives a frontal projection. Lateral X‑ray sends the beam side-to-side, producing a side view that separates overlapping structures, shows depth and anterior–posterior relationships, and helps localize lesions or misalignments not clear on AP images.