Acromioclavicular joint series

Last revised by Andrew Murphy ◉ on 19 Sep 2021

Citation, DOI & article data

Citation:

Hacking, C., Murphy, A. Acromioclavicular joint series. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 29 Sep 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-37932

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-37932

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/37932

rID:

37932

Article created:

26 Jun 2015 by Assoc Prof Craig Hacking ◉ ◈

Revisions:

9 times by 2 users - see full revision history

System:

Musculoskeletal

Section:

Radiography

Tags:

Synonyms:

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint radiographic series is used to evaluate the acromioclavicular joint and the distal clavicle.

Indications

AC radiographs are performed for a variety of indications including:

shoulder trauma
direct blows to the shoulder region
following a fall onto an adducted arm
suspected dislocation
suspected arthritis

Projections

Standard projections

AP view
- erect view demonstrating the AC joint in the anteroposterior plane
- best view to inspect widening of the AC joint

Additional projections

AP with weight bearing
- also known as a stress view, the patient holds onto a weight on the affected side, placing inferior pressure on the AC joint
- this view is used to rule out displacement when it is suspected yet not confirmed on the AP view
AP comparison views
- both AC joints are imaged separately, to rule out a suspected displacement or differentially anatomical variation
Zanca view
- AP projection with a 10-15 degree cephalad angle to free the AC joint from superimposition