SHOULDER AP VIEW X-RAY SCAN
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
- What it is: A 5-minute front-view X-ray of the shoulder.
- Why Cadabams Diagnostics:
• Digital radiography for sharper images
• Same-day appointments and walk-ins accepted
• Radiologists on-site for instant report reviews
• Transparent pricing—no surprise charges
What is Shoulder AP View X-Ray?
Plain Definition and How the Image Is Taken
The shoulder AP view X-ray (anteroposterior view) captures the shoulder from front to back. You stand or sit next to the X-ray machine while the technologist positions your arm at your side. One quick click, and the image is stored digitally—no films, no waiting for development.
Difference Between AP View vs Lateral/Axillary Views
View | Angle | Best For |
---|---|---|
AP | Front-to-back | Overall bone alignment, joint space |
Lateral | Side-to-side | Scapula fractures |
Axillary | Underside-up | Shoulder dislocation confirmation |
Types of Shoulder AP View X-Ray
- Neutral AP: Arm at side, palm facing thigh—baseline view.
- Internal rotation AP: Palm turned backward—shows the lesser tuberosity.
- External rotation AP: Palm forward—highlights the greater tuberosity.
Each rotation helps doctors see different bone surfaces, spotting cracks or bone spurs that might otherwise hide.
List of Parameters
- Glenohumeral joint alignment
- Humeral head position relative to the glenoid socket
- Acromio-clavicular (AC) joint spacing—looking for separation
- Signs of fracture lines or dislocation
- Joint-space narrowing suggesting arthritis
Why This Test
- Suspected shoulder dislocation after injury
- Rotator-cuff tear screening—to rule out associated bone changes
- Osteoarthritis assessment—joint-space loss, bone spurs
- Post-injury follow-up—check healing progress after cast or sling removal
When to Take Test
- Trauma & sports injuries: Falls on an outstretched arm, direct shoulder blow
- Chronic symptoms: Pain lasting >2 weeks, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion
- Post-surgery or post-reduction monitoring: After shoulder surgery or dislocation to ensure bones are healing correctly
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Shoulder AP View X-Ray
- Fast: 5 minutes from positioning to completion
- Non-invasive: No injections or contrast dyes
- Cost-effective: One of the lowest-priced imaging tests at Cadabams Diagnostics
- Digital ready: Images uploaded to secure cloud; shareable via link or printed copy in 30 minutes
Illnesses Diagnosed with Shoulder AP View X-Ray
Condition | What the Image Shows |
---|---|
Anterior/posterior shoulder dislocation | Humeral head out of socket |
Proximal humerus fracture | Crack or break near the shoulder joint |
AC joint separation | Widened gap between collarbone and shoulder blade |
Calcific tendinitis | White specks in the rotator-cuff footprint |
Preparing for test
- Clothing: Wear a loose top; you may be asked to change into a gown.
- Jewellery & metal: Remove necklaces, earrings, bra with underwire, and any upper-body piercings.
- Pregnancy: Inform the technologist—additional shielding may be provided.
Pre-requisites Shoulder AP View X-Ray
- Doctor’s prescription or digital referral
- Valid ID (Aadhaar, passport, or driver’s licence)
- Earlier X-rays or MRI reports, if any, for comparison
Best Time to Take the Shoulder AP View X-Ray
- Urgent cases (trauma, sports injuries): Same-day slots available 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Routine check-ups: Morning slots (8–11 a.m.) = shorter queues, faster reporting
Eligibility
- Age groups: All—from infants to seniors (pediatric technique adjusted)
- Contraindications: Pregnant patients may defer or use lead shielding after risk–benefit discussion with the doctor
Procedure for Taking a Shoulder AP View X-Ray
- Check-in: Reception scans your referral and ID.
- Positioning: Stand or sit; affected shoulder against the detector.
- Arm placement: Neutral, internal, or external rotation as ordered.
- Exposure: Hold still for <1 second while X-ray fires.
- Review: Technologist checks image quality; second shot rarely needed.
- Post-procedure: Resume normal activities immediately—no downtime.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Complete pregnancy screening questionnaire.
- Remove upper-limb casts only if medically cleared.
- Let staff know about implanted devices (pacemaker, shoulder prosthesis) so angles can be adjusted.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
---|---|---|
Normal joint space | 4–5 mm between humeral head and glenoid | No arthritis or dislocation |
Anterior humeral head displacement | Head lies in front of glenoid fossa | Anterior dislocation |
Fracture line | Jagged lucency through the humeral neck | Proximal humerus fracture |
AC joint widening | Gap >5 mm between acromion and clavicle | AC joint separation |
Osteophytes | Bony spurs at joint margins | Osteoarthritis changes |
Risks & Limitations
- Radiation: Extremely low dose—about the same as 3 days of natural background exposure.
- Safety: Shielding provided for thyroid and chest if needed.
- What it might miss:
• Hairline fractures hidden behind the humeral head
• Soft-tissue injuries like rotator-cuff tears (MRI may follow if suspected)
FAQs
Is the scan painful?
No. You may feel brief cold from the plate, but there’s no pain.
How long does it take?
Total time at the centre: ~15 minutes; actual exposure: <1 second.
Can I drive after the scan?
Absolutely—no sedation or restrictions.
Will I need a follow-up X-ray?
Only if your doctor wants to monitor healing or compare with later images.
What if the shoulder is dislocated?
The X-ray confirms the direction of dislocation so an orthopaedic doctor can plan reduction.
Do you offer digital copies?
Yes. Secure cloud link sent to your phone or email; printed films available on request.