Humerus series

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The humerus series is usually used for the detection of traumatic injury to the shaft of the humerus.

Indications

Humerus radiographs are performed for a variety of indications including:

  • trauma 
  • bony tenderness at the glenohumeral joint/region 
  • restriction of abduction 
  • suspected dislocation 
  • suspected bone tumors 

Projections

Standard projections
  • AP view
    • demonstrates the humerus in its natural anatomical positioning  
    • shows the entire shaft of the humerus 
  • lateral view
    • orthogonal view of the AP 
    • profile view shaft of the humerus 
    • demonstrates the degree and direction of any suspected dislocations
Modified trauma projections
  • supine AP view
    • a replacement examination to the AP view performed appropriate supine
    • examination for inspection of the entirety of the humerus
    • can be conducted regardless of body habitus or patient condition 
  • supine lateral view
    • a replacement examination to the lateral view performed supine 
    • appropriate examination for inspection of the entirety of the humerus
    • can be conducted regardless of body habitus or patient condition 
    • normally done via tube angulation but can be done transthoracic 

Radiographic views