Axillary view of the glenoid articular surface

The glenoid articular surface is best studied radiographically on a tangent ial projection with both true anteroposterior and axillary views. Forty-one dry scapulas were studied under fluoroscopy to define the axillary project ion that would provide ex true scapular lateral view. The superior and infe rior articular margins were marked with radiopaque solder wires. A true axi llary view was obtained when the projection of the wires superimposed. The projection of the cortical bone of the posterolateral surface of the coraco id was noted to be continuous with the projection of the subchondral cortic al bone of the glenoid articular surface when the latter was viewed tangent ially An illustrative case is shown in which a screw was mistakenly seen vi olating the glenohumeral joint; however, with the defined true axillary vie w, 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 inser ted about the glenoid articular surface. The soft tissue shadow superimposi tion 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 a xillary view, a projection that will show a continuous line of the coracoid and glenoid articular surface should be obtained and it will indicate a ta ngential view of the joint.