[X-ray examination of the shoulder in suspected luxation (author's transl)].

The X-ray examination of an injured part of a skeleton requires, to obtain a 3-D effect, two vertical levels to one another. The explanation of this radiographic minimum demand is seen especially in the posterior dislocation of the shoulder as the a-p-view with the discrete indirect signs of luxation; this is often misinterpreted as being normal by inexperienced people. Indirect X-ray signs are: fixed internal rotation of the Humerus, "Trough-line", positive "Rim-sign", flattening of the medial aspect of the humeral head and "loss of the normal half-moon shadow" caused by the overlap of the humeral head on the posterior part of the glenoid cavity. The position of the second dimension is brought out with more success using the transscapular or the Velpeau axillary view radiogram without in being painful for the patient.