Course Description
Digital radiography (DR) is the first imaging study performed on patients experiencing shoulder pain or trauma. Radiologic technologists (RTs) produce DR images of the shoulder using various positioning techniques to accurately represent the anatomy and pathology, and in doing so, RTs must consider multiple factors that can affect the quality of the image. Image quality is optimized by choosing appropriate techniques and parameters, using accessory equipment like antiscatter grids, and understanding the inherent limitations of the X-ray tube and detector. High-quality images display shoulder anatomy with high spatial resolution, appropriate contrast, and minimal noise. This course aims to enhance RTs' skills in shoulder image acquisition and evaluation. It will review shoulder girdle anatomy, including its palpable landmarks for patient positioning and common shoulder pathologies. Routine and specialized shoulder projections will be covered along with a discussion of the radiographic appearance of anatomy and pathology of each view. Image acquisition parameters and quality characteristics will be discussed in detail, focusing on how multiple factors can affect the image's spatial resolution, contrast, and noise level. Finally, an overview of the image evaluation process, including an example evaluation of a shoulder image to help the RT understand the process will be detailed.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content the participant should be able to:

• IDENTIFY anatomical structures and landmarks of the shoulder girdle on radiographic images.
• OUTLINE the patient positioning and image characteristics of the main projections in a routine shoulder examination.
• SUMMARIZE common pathological conditions and injuries of the shoulder that can be diagnosed through radiographic imaging.
• OUTLINE the types of equipment and patient-related factors that must be considered during image acquisition, including how to properly adjust technique parameters and use the automatic exposure control system.
• RECALL the characteristics of a high-quality shoulder radiograph, specifically relating to spatial resolution, contrast resolution, and image signal.
• EVALUATE shoulder radiographs for quality and acceptance, considering the exposure indicator, positioning, artifacts, and image identification.

Categories: Digital Radiography

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 29 out of 38 questions correctly to receive CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 3.0 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits).

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.