X-RAY Both Shoulders AP (Anteroposterior) View shows frontal views of both shoulder joints in a single X-ray study. This is used to assess both shoulders' bones, joints, and alignment. Can help diagnose fractures, dislocations, arthritis, changes in the joints, congenital abnormalities, and other causes of shoulder joint complaints. Comparing both shoulders is especially helpful with symptoms occurring on one side and/or when evaluating developmental or degenerative conditions.
Purpose of X-RAY Both Shoulders AP View
Evaluation of shoulder pain in one or both shoulders
Detection of fractures of the clavicle, scapula, or proximal humerus
Assessment of shoulder dislocation or subluxation
Evaluation of degenerative joint disease (arthritis)
Comparison of both shoulder joints for symmetry
Assessment following trauma or sports injuries
Monitoring healing after fractures or surgery
Preoperative and postoperative evaluation
Common Reasons for the Test
Shoulder pain
Injury after a fall or accident
Difficulty moving one or both shoulders
Suspected fracture
Suspected shoulder dislocation
Swelling around the shoulder joints
Arthritis or chronic shoulder stiffness
Follow-up after shoulder surgery
Structures Evaluated
Right and left humeral heads
Glenohumeral joints
Clavicles
Scapulae
Glenoid cavities
Acromioclavicular (AC) joints
Proximal humeri
Surrounding bony structures
Conditions That May Be Detected
Shoulder fractures
Shoulder dislocation or subluxation
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Calcific tendinitis
Congenital shoulder abnormalities
Bone cysts or tumors
Post-traumatic bone changes
Benefits
Quick and painless examination
Low radiation exposure
Simultaneous evaluation of both shoulders
Helps compare joint alignment and bony abnormalities
Widely available and cost-effective
Useful for diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up
Risks and Limitations
Radiation Exposure
Uses a small amount of X-ray radiation.
Considered safe when medically indicated.
Limitations
Soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the rotator cuff are not clearly visualized.
MRI or ultrasound may be recommended if a soft tissue injury is suspected.
Conclusion
X-RAY Both Shoulders AP View is a rapid and efficient imaging test to be used in assessing bones and joints of both shoulders. It aids in diagnosing fractures, dislocations, arthritis, and other skeletal abnormalities, and allows for comparison of both shoulders for making an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Test information: Fasting NOT needed
Reporting: Within 04 hours*
Usually, no fasting is required unless specifically advised by your doctor.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid garments with metal buttons, zippers, or shoulder accessories.
Remove necklaces, chains, earrings, bras with metal hooks, shoulder jewellery, or any metallic objects from the chest and shoulder region before the examination.
Inform the radiographer if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy, as X-rays involve ionising radiation.
Carry all previous X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound reports, and your doctor's referral for comparison, if available.
Continue taking your prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
Inform the radiographer about any recent shoulder injury, surgery, joint replacement, implants, or difficulty raising your arms.
Wear clothing that allows easy exposure of both shoulders if required.
Arrive at the centre 15–20 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
सामान्यतः इस जांच के लिए फास्टिंग की आवश्यकता नहीं होती है, जब तक डॉक्टर विशेष निर्देश न दें।
ढीले और आरामदायक कपड़े पहनकर आएं तथा कंधों के आसपास धातु वाले बटन, ज़िप या अन्य धातु की वस्तुओं वाले कपड़ों से बचें।
जांच से पहले गले की चेन, हार, बालियाँ, धातु वाले अंतःवस्त्र, कंधों के आभूषण तथा अन्य धातु की वस्तुएँ हटा दें।
यदि आप गर्भवती हैं या गर्भावस्था की संभावना है, तो जांच से पहले रेडियोग्राफर को अवश्य बताएं।
अपनी सभी पुरानी एक्स-रे, सीटी, एमआरआई, अल्ट्रासाउंड रिपोर्ट तथा डॉक्टर का रेफरल साथ लेकर आएं।
डॉक्टर की सलाह के अनुसार अपनी नियमित दवाइयाँ लेते रहें।
यदि हाल ही में कंधे में चोट लगी हो, सर्जरी हुई हो, जोड़ प्रत्यारोपण (जॉइंट रिप्लेसमेंट) हुआ हो, कोई इम्प्लांट लगा हो या हाथ उठाने में कठिनाई हो, तो इसकी जानकारी रेडियोग्राफर को दें।
आवश्यकता होने पर ऐसे कपड़े पहनें जिनसे दोनों कंधों की जांच आसानी से की जा सके।
पंजीकरण और तैयारी के लिए निर्धारित समय से 15–20 मिनट पहले केंद्र पर पहुंचें।
The patient is positioned standing or sitting in front of the digital X-ray detector.
The radiographer positions both shoulders to obtain anteroposterior (AP) views of the right and left shoulder joints.
You may be asked to keep your arms in a specific position and remain completely still while the images are captured.
Additional shoulder views may be obtained if requested by the radiologist for further evaluation.
The examination is quick, painless, non-invasive, and does not require contrast material.
The procedure usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Reports are generally available within 24 hours.
* For details, please see service-related policies