Landmarks for lateral scapula and scapular Y positioning.

BACKGROUND Currently used positioning landmarks for the lateral scapula and Y projections often yield inconsistent results and lead to repeats. OBJECTIVE To determine whether new positioning landmarks can help radiographers position the lateral scapula and Y projections more accurately. METHODS Following laboratory experimentation on dry bone specimens, a small pilot study was conducted in the clinical setting to test the new landmarks. RESULTS Laboratory and clinical testing of the use of the acromial tip and superior angle of the scapula suggest that these landmarks are easier to use and improve accuracy of positioning.