Question

A request for a shoulder exam comes from the ER. The patient has a large deformity anterior to the shoulder and the physician suspects an anterior dislocation. Which are the most common appropriate views to take on this patient?

A. Posterior (PA) internal and external rotation views
B. Posterior (PA) neutral and external rotation views
C. AP projection in neutral rotation and PA oblique scapular Y
D. Anterioposterior (AP) projections in internal, external, and neutral rotation

Answer 1

For suspected anterior shoulder dislocations, the AP projection in neutral rotation and the PA oblique scapular Y view are commonly used radiographic views to diagnose the condition accurately.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a physician suspects an anterior dislocation of the shoulder, the most common appropriate radiographic views to assess this condition are the AP projection in neutral rotation and the PA oblique scapular Y view. These views are utilized to evaluate the anatomical relationship between the humerus and the scapula, particularly the positioning of the humeral head with respect to the glenoid cavity.

The AP projection provides a clear image of the head of the humerus in relation to the glenoid cavity and the overall alignment of the shoulder joint. The PA oblique scapular Y view, on the other hand, provides an excellent anatomical assessment to determine if the humeral head has dislocated anteriorly from the glenoid cavity. These views can accurately aid in the diagnosis of an anterior shoulder dislocation and guide subsequent treatment plans.