Axillary view of the glenoid articular surface

The glenoid articular surface is best studied radiographically on a tangential projection with both true anteroposterior and axillary views. Forty-one dry scapulas were studied under fluoroscopy to define the axillary projection that would provide a true scapular lateral view. The superior and inferior articular margins were marked with radiopaque solder wires. A true axillary view was obtained when the projection of the wires superimposed. The projection of the cortical bone of the posterolateral surface of the coracoid was noted to be continuous with the projection of the subchondral cortical bone of the glenoid articular surface when the latter was viewed tangentially. An illustrative case is shown in which a screw was mistakenly seen violating the glenohumeral joint; however, with the defined true axillary view, the actual position of the screw was demonstrated. X-ray films taken of another 8 cadaver shoulders were used to study the position of screws inserted about the glenoid articular surface. The soft tissue shadow superimposition on the inferior glenoid margin can lead to a misinterpretation of the superior margin as the whole glenoid articular surface. Because soft tissue can interfere with the appreciation of the glenohumeral joint line on an axillary view, a projection that will show a continuous line of the coracoid and glenoid articular surface should be obtained, and it will indicate a tangential view of the joint. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2000;9:115-9.)