Positioning a scapula Y view can be challenging for both students and technologists. Begin with the patient’s back against the image receptor and rotate the affected side away from the receptor about 45 degrees to start.
Palpate the superior angle and the acromion process of the scapula. Rotate the patient further—up to 60 degrees—until the line between these two points is perpendicular to the IR.
If you prefer the side-down method, have the patient face the image receptor with the affected side against it. Rotate the opposite side of the body away about 45 degrees, then palpate the same two landmarks and adjust until they are perpendicular to the IR.
