MUHIMBILI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND ALLIED

SCIENCE

RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES
MR. GODFREY NGOYE

Assignment on Radiographic procedures of Humerus and Shoulder joint.

Prepared by: Sylvester Edmund Safiel
Reg.no: 2020 – 02 – 14860
 Radiographic procedures of the Humerus

Definition
Humerus – is the bone of the upper arm or fore limb forming joints at the shoulder
and elbow. It serves as an attachment of 13 muscles which contribute to the
movement of the hand, elbow and the part of the lower hand. It’s the largest bone
of the upper extremity.

Anatomy of Humerus
It articulate proximally with the glenoid (part of the scapula bone) at the humeral
head via the shoulder joint and distally with radius and ulna via the elbow joint at
the trochlea (articulates with the ulna) and capitulum (articulates with the radius)
respectively.

Indication
Before starting procedures, the technician should check the movements of the
upper hand to identify areas of concentration, where pain is concentrated or to find
any factor which signifies the need for the patient to be exposed to x-rays.
Humerus views are often done excluding large humeral shaft fractures. If fracture
suspected at either proximal or distal end its better to do elbow and shoulder
diagnosis.

Patient Preparation
The radiographer should prepare the patient Physically, Physiologically and
Psychologically. If the patient is with fear or stress the radiographer should deal
with it before. Also if the diagnosed area is covered with clothes or ornaments
should be removed to avoid miss interpretation of the film.
-The patient should stand erect
-The patients back should face away from the film position.
-The affected arm should be slightly abducted.
 Equipment Preparation
The radiographer should prepare the x-ray machine, the radiographic film with
size (35cm x 43cm)

Technique
 PROJECTIONS
-Anteroposterior view (basic view)
-Lateral view (alternative view)
 COLLIMATION
-Superior to the skin margins above the glenohumeral joint.
-Inferior to include the distal humerus including the elbow joint.
 CENTERING POINT
-Mid humerus shaft.

Radiation Protection
 Shielding
-the use of lead coat for the radiographer and protective gowns for the
patients.
 Exposure factors
- 60 to 70 kVp
- 7 to 15 mAs
 Radiographic procedures of shoulder joint

Definition
Shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint between the scapula and the humerus.
It’s the major joint connecting the upper limb and the trunk.

Anatomy of the shoulder joint

The shoulder joint is formed by the articulation of head of humerus with
glenoid cavity (fossa) of the scapula. The glenoid fossa is deepened by a
fibrocartilage rim called glenoid labrum to reduce the disproportion in surface.

Indication
Indications of shoulder joint diagnosis include,
-shoulder trauma
-bony tenderness at the glenohumeral joint/region
-restriction of rotation
-instability
-suspended dislocation
-scapula trauma
-non traumatic shoulder pain

Patient Preparation
Patient should be prepared physiologically, physical and psychological. This
including familiarizing the patient to the department environment to reduce patient
stress/fear. Also removing of unwanted garments/clothing’s which may affect the
diagnosis.
 Equipment preparation
The radiographer should prepare the x-ray machine, clear the x-ray table and
prepare the radiographic film (24cm x 30cm).

Techniques
 PROJECTION
-Anteroposterior projection (basic views)
-Lateral projection (alternative view)
-Coracoid projection (Additional view)
-Supine lateral (additional view)
 COLLIMATION
-superior to the skin margins
-inferior to include one third of the proximal humerus
-lateral to include the skin margin
-medial to include the sternoclavicular joint
 CENTERING POINT
-2.5 cm inferior to the coracoid process, or 2cm inferior to the lateral
clavicle at the level of the glenohumeral joint.

Radiation protection
 Shielding
-the radiographer should wear lead coat also he is supposed to stay in the
control room and the patient should wear protective gown. This helps to
reduce the effects of the scattered radiations.
 Exposure factors
-60 to 70 kVp
-10 to 18 mAs