Dr. Prohaska –
Instability Series

Our instability series includes the following views:

  • True AP
  • Axillary Lateral View
  • Stryker Notch View
  • Westpoint View

Each of these is listed below with examples and a description of how to shoot it.

True AP

Position: Patient erect with affected side against Bucky, turn patient 30-35 degrees

Tube: Perpendicular

Demonstrates: Glenohumeral joint space

Axillary Lateral

Position: Patient supine with small sponge under shoulder, humerus abducted to 90 degrees, elbow bent 90 degrees and perpendicular to table

Tube: Central ray bisecting angle of humerus and body

Demonstrates:
Glenohumeral joint
Coracoid process pointing anteriorly
Lessor tuberosity in profile
AC joint, acromion, and end of clavicle project through
humeral head

Stryker Notch View

Position: Erect or supine, with hand on back of head

Tube: 10 degrees cephalic to the coracoid

Demonstrates:
Hill-Sachs defects

Westpoint View

Position: Prone with sponge supporting affected shoulder, abduct arm 90 degrees, bend elbow and hang forearm off the table

Tube: Central ray is double angled – 25 degrees from horizontal and 25 degrees medially

Demonstrates:
Bony abnormalities of the glenoid rim
Instability