Clavicle AP is a radiography positioning projection of the Upper Extremity. Erect, arm at side. CR perpendicular to clavicle midshaft. SID 40". Include entire clavicle. The centering point is located midshaft of the clavicle, approximately 1 inch above the shoulder.. The central ray is perpendicular to the midshaft of the clavicle.. Image-quality criteria include entire clavicle from sternal end to acromion visualized., clavicle shown in one plane without foreshortening.. Standard exposure ranges from 65 to 75 kVp, 5 to 10 mAs, at an SID of 40 inches (102 cm).
Anatomy demonstrated
- Entire clavicle from sternal to acromial end.
- Sternoclavicular joint medially.
- Acromioclavicular joint laterally.
- Medial third of the clavicle.
- Lateral third of the clavicle.
- Proximal humerus.
Patient preparation
- Verify patient identity using two identifiers.
- Remove watches, bracelets, and radiopaque items from chest.
- Position patient erect facing the IR.
- Keep arms at sides in a relaxed position.
- Straighten spine and keep shoulders level.
Position & centering point
Midshaft of the clavicle, approximately 1 inch above the shoulder.
Central ray
Perpendicular to the midshaft of the clavicle.
Exposure / technique
- kVp
- 65–75
- mAs
- 5–10
- SID
- 40" (102 cm)
- Notes
- Erect technique. Entire clavicle from sternal end to acromion must be included on the radiograph.
Image-quality criteria
- Entire clavicle from sternal end to acromion visualized.
- Clavicle shown in one plane without foreshortening.
- Medial and lateral thirds visible with equal density.
- Sternal end sharp and well-defined.
- Distal clavicle and acromioclavicular joint included.
- Collimation: 1 inch above and below the entire clavicle.
Common errors / ARRT traps
- 1 Shoulder elevation tilts clavicle and projects it obliquely.
- 2 Patient rotation foreshortens the clavicle.
- 3 Insufficient collimation excludes the medial or lateral clavicle.
- 4 Off-centered CR misses the sternal or acromion end.
- 5 Forward shoulder position clouds the medial clavicle.
Clinical indications
- Clavicular fracture evaluation across entire bone.
- Sternoclavicular or acromioclavicular joint assessment.
- Distal clavicle osteolysis evaluation.
- Post-operative clavicular fixation hardware check.
Aligned to the 2025 ARRT Content Specifications.