Scapula Lateral

• Scapular body in profile.
• Scapular spine in profile.
• Acromion process in profile.
• Coracoid process.
• Glenoid cavity in profile.
• Vertebral border of scapula.

• Verify patient identity using two identifiers.
• Remove watches, bracelets, and radiopaque items from shoulder.
• Position patient erect, lateral to IR at 45-60 degree rotation.
• Place arm across the body or abducted 90 degrees as needed.
• Keep spine straight and shoulders level during exposure.

Midscapular area, with body rotated 45-60 degrees to image the scapula in profile.

Perpendicular to the scapular body at 45-60 degrees rotation.

kVp

70–80

mAs

8–15

SID

40" (102 cm)

Notes

Erect technique. Body rotated 45-60 degrees for proper profile orientation. Arm positioned across body or at 90 degrees.

• Scapular body shown in profile without foreshortening.
• Scapular spine visible in profile projecting posteriorly.
• Acromion and coracoid processes visible in profile.
• Minimal rib superimposition of scapular body.
• Glenoid cavity imaged in profile.
• Collimation: 1 inch above shoulder, 1 inch beyond lateral edge.

1. 1 Insufficient rotation fails to show scapula in true profile.
2. 2 Excessive rotation rotates the scapula superiorly or inferiorly.
3. 3 Rib superimposition obscures scapular detail.
4. 4 Arm position not open enough keeps scapula foreshortened.
5. 5 Off-centered CR misses the scapular body or spine.

• Scapular body fracture evaluation in profile.
• Scapular spine fracture or displacement assessment.
• Rotator cuff pathology evaluation.
• Post-operative scapular fixation follow-up.