The apical oblique radiograph in examination of acute shoulder trauma

One-hundred and twenty-five patients with acuta trauma to the shoulder were radiographed using anteroposterior and transthoracic views supplemented by an apical oblique projection with the patient seated in posterior oblique position, central beam directed 45 degrees caudad. The two standard views were evaluated prior to the apical oblique view. In 15.2% of the patients lesions were seen only in the apical oblique view, which also provided better examinations in 23.2% of all patients. Mainly dislocations of joints and fractures (in particular posterior glenohumeral dislocations), glenoid fractures, Hill-Sachs lesions and soft tissue calcifications were revealed in this view. Its routine use in acute trauma radiography is recommended.