X-ray technique of scapula scapula

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Truong Duc - Radiographer - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

X-ray of the scapula helps to provide missing information on the straight scapula, which can diagnose some cases such as:
● Fracture of the shoulder blade
● Dislocation of the shoulder
● Benign osteoma or malignant
Injury to the collarbone
● Investigate a number of other pathologies in the periscapular region as well as evaluate the scapula and crow's processes.

To date, there are many techniques to radiograph the shoulder blades. However, the lateral scapula (Y view) x-ray is the most commonly used technique because of its relatively complete reflection of the image. When performing a lateral shoulder blade X-ray technique, the patient will typically go through the following steps:
2.1. Receive order form from a specialist After examining the patient's painful or injured area, the doctor will write an order for an X-ray of the straight and tilted shoulder blades to get more information about the patient's condition from which the final diagnosis is made. The patient's job now is to receive the slip and follow the instructions to send it to the X-ray room.

2.2. Preparation The patient needs to remove all metal on the shoulder blade if it affects the technique.
2.3 Steps to perform lateral shoulder X-ray technique ● The technician receives the order form, identifies and compares the area to be scanned with the clinical diagnosis; Invite the patient into the imaging room and explain the technique of X-ray of the scapula.
● Adjust the mount so that the shadow is 1m away from the film.
● The patient is instructed to stand or sit in front of the digitized sensor plate, with the arm on the right side pressed to the chest as far as possible, the hand resting on the other shoulder blade.
The adjusted central beam passes through the mid-axillary to the clavicle joint and is perpendicular to the film face.
● The medical staff type the right or left symbol on the digitized sensor plate corresponding to the patient's hand; enter patient information into the system; choose the appropriate shooting program for the shoulder blades and adjust the technique; Close the door of the shooting room, emit rays.
● During an X-ray of the scapula, the patient is asked to remain still.
● After taking the picture, the patient is directed to the room to wait for the results, while the technical staff will adjust and print the film.
2.4 Evaluation of lateral scapula X-ray results ● Film criteria: A satisfactory film is one that allows the humerus head and shoulder joint to be clearly seen.
● Beam quality: Clear sharpness and contrast; When the light is medium, it will allow to clearly see the bone ridges, trabeculae, and soft shadows; young rays make the film blurry, many soft shadows; old rays are black film, less soft shadow.
● Film with patient code, patient's name, date of capture, symbol on the right (right, left).
● The radiologist reads the patient's shoulder blade injury, enters and prints the results on a slip.

2.5 Patient receives the result sheet After receiving the result sheet, the patient returns to see the doctor who visited previously, listens to professional advice and appropriate treatment.

X-rays of the scapula are usually uncomplicated. However, sometimes it has to be done again because there are some errors such as: the patient does not keep the shoulder blade motionless during the scan, the collarbone does not clearly show the image,...
Dr. 17 years of experience in Diagnostic Imaging at Hanoi E hospital. Currently, the doctor is working at the Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
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