X Ray Scapula Ap

The AP view of the scapula is an anteroposterior radiographic projection obtained with the patient upright or supine and the affected arm abducted about 90° with the hand supinated to move the scapula laterally off the thorax. The central ray is directed perpendicular to the midscapular region (about 2 cm inferior to the coracoid), with exposure on suspended respiration to visualize the scapular body, acromion, coracoid, and glenoid.

Position the patient upright or supine with the affected side centered to the image receptor; abduct the arm 90° and supinate the hand to move the scapula laterally. Place the top of the IR about 2–3 cm above the shoulder. Direct the central ray perpendicular to the mid‑scapula (≈2 cm inferior to the coracoid), collimate to include the entire scapula, use lead shielding, and suspend respiration for the exposure.

Standard radiographic views for the scapula are: AP (anteroposterior) with the arm abducted to project the scapula free of the thorax; axillary (inferosuperior/axillary lateral) to assess the glenoid and lateral scapula; and the lateral scapular (scapular Y or oblique lateral) to evaluate the body, spine and acromion alignment. Together they detect fractures, displacements and joint injuries.

X-ray AP means anteroposterior projection: the X-ray beam travels from the front (anterior) of the patient toward the back (posterior). It’s often used for portable or supine chest and abdominal films when patients can’t stand. AP images can magnify the heart and mediastinal structures compared with PA (posterior–anterior) views, so clinicians adjust interpretation accordingly.

Inspect the scapula standing and during arm elevation for symmetry, winging, swelling or muscle wasting. Palpate the medial and inferior borders for tenderness or crepitus. Ask the person to push against a wall to reveal scapular winging. Assess active and passive shoulder range of motion and scapular stabilizer strength (wall push for serratus anterior; resisted shrug for trapezius). Note pain, weakness, or sensory changes and refer if abnormal.

Spine AP/lat refers to standard X‑ray projections of the spine: anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (side) views. They evaluate vertebral alignment, fractures, disc-space narrowing, degenerative changes, infection, or deformities such as scoliosis. AP shows frontal structures; lateral displays the sagittal profile and disc heights. The exam is quick, noninvasive, requires minimal preparation, and uses low-dose ionising radiation.