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Upper Extremity Radiographic Views

• Shoulder:
o AP View: Evaluates the glenohumeral joint, clavicle, and acromioclavicular (AC) joint.
o Axillary View: Provides a better assessment of the humeral head position (useful for
dislocations).
o Y-Scapular View: Identifies fractures and dislocations of the shoulder blade.
• Elbow:
o AP View: Assesses joint space, bone alignment, and fractures.
o Lateral View: Best for evaluating olecranon fractures and fat pad signs.
• Wrist & Hand:
o PA, Lateral, and Oblique Views: Essential for detecting carpal fractures, such as
scaphoid injuries.

Lower Extremity Radiographic Views

• Hip:
o AP View: Evaluates hip joint symmetry and degenerative changes.
o Lateral (Frog-Leg) View: Best for femoral head and neck fractures.
• Knee:
o AP and Lateral Views: Standard imaging for fractures, arthritis, and joint space
narrowing.
o Sunrise (Patellar) View: Assesses the patellofemoral joint and detects patellar
subluxation.
• Ankle & Foot:
o AP, Lateral, and Oblique Views: Essential for detecting ankle fractures, ligamentous
injuries, and Lisfranc dislocations.

Spinal Radiographic Views

• Cervical Spine:
o AP and Lateral Views: Identify vertebral alignment, fractures, and degenerative
changes.
o Odontoid (Open-Mouth) View: Detects C1-C2 instability (e.g., Jefferson fractures).
• Thoracic & Lumbar Spine:
o AP and Lateral Views: Assess spinal fractures, scoliosis, and degenerative disc disease.
o Flexion/Extension Views: Evaluate spinal instability and ligamentous injuries.

Correct patient positioning, proper exposure settings, and adherence to imaging protocols ensure
that radiographs are diagnostic and clinically useful, reducing the need for repeat imaging and
unnecessary radiation exposure. Each anatomical region has specific imaging protocols to
optimize diagnostic accuracy:

• Upper Extremity X-rays:
o Shoulder: AP, lateral, axillary views
o Elbow: AP, lateral, oblique views
o Wrist & Hand: AP, lateral, oblique views
• Lower Extremity X-rays:
o Hip: AP, lateral (frog-leg view)