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X-ray of the shoulder joint
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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An X-ray of the shoulder joint is designed to detect damage that has arisen due to external or internal (various diseases) factors.
The shoulder joint is a complex structure in our body, without which our arms would not be so mobile. This joint has a very important function. It connects the humerus with the entire free limb and the shoulder blade. The shoulder joint is a bundle of fibers that is responsible for the mobility of the arm. These fibers are not strengthened by muscles, which makes our arms mobile, and on the other hand, are the cause of frequent dislocations.
Indications for X-ray of the shoulder joint
With the modern lifestyle, no one is immune from problems with joints. Indications for an X-ray of the shoulder joint can be varied. If a person feels pain or discomfort in the shoulder, he can go to any clinic and have an X-ray. Today, in order to identify the problem, you can do not only an X-ray, but also take an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Also, depending on the problem with the shoulder, you can do an ultrasound (ultrasound examination).
When a person feels pain in the joint, there was an injury, inflammation, acute and chronic pain, limited movement in the shoulder area, swelling in the joint area, enlargement in the shoulder joint area, suspicion of dislocation. If after hard work there is a feeling of pain in the joint or spent a lot of time standing, after sports training, professional or other damage to the joint. Even at the slightest suspicion of any problem in the shoulder, it is better to contact a specialist who will help and cure your shoulder.
How is a shoulder x-ray performed?
With the help of an X-ray, you can easily find out what the problem is and how to properly treat the shoulder. The X-ray is taken in a special device that has a complex design. As a rule, the entire procedure takes 10-15 minutes. No special preparation is required for the examination. Before preparation, the patient puts on a special apron that protects the organs from radiation. To undergo the procedure, the patient lies down or stands, and the doctor is in another room to take the picture.
To reduce the harm from an X-ray after the procedure, you need to drink more fluids and eat foods with vitamin C.
Contraindications to X-ray of the shoulder joint
In order to undergo an X-ray, you must first register at a medical center. Clothes for the procedure should be comfortable and without metal inserts. Of course, there are contraindications for undergoing an X-ray. First of all, this concerns children under fifteen years of age and pregnant women. Nursing mothers also cannot undergo an X-ray. Also, people with excess weight have contraindications. X-ray is also radiation, which cannot be performed more than 2 times a year. Abuse of such a procedure can even lead to oncological diseases.
Interpretation of Shoulder Joint X-ray Results
A specialist, a radiologist, interprets the results of a shoulder X-ray. The doctor distinguishes darkening and shadows on the image. Finds foci of the disease, distinguishes the structure of the joint. In conclusion, the radiologist writes a conclusion depending on what was seen on the X-ray. When you show the images to different doctors, you will get different results. The diagnosis will be similar, but described in different terms. This confirms that radiology is based on the assessment of the image that the doctor received.
Where can I get an x-ray of the shoulder joint?
To get an X-ray of the shoulder joint, you need to go to a specialized diagnostic center. Here, you will get a transcript in a short time. If you come to the hospital with shoulder pain, you may be sent to an X-ray room at a medical institution. Not every hospital and, especially, a polyclinic has an X-ray room. If we are talking about small towns or villages, the patient will most likely have to go to the regional center or a neighboring large city. There are also private X-ray rooms that exist independently from state hospitals, but cooperate with them.
Price
The cost and preparation depend on the institution you choose. When you have a referral from a doctor, you can most likely do it for free at the hospital. But in this case, you will have to sit in line and wait for the result. If you decide to go to a private diagnostic center, of course, here you will have to pay the prices indicated in the price list, which vary significantly depending on the equipment used. In addition, the price depends on the level of services that the center provides you. Do not forget about the device on which the X-ray of the shoulder joint will be done. The more modern the device, the more expensive the service will be.
The average cost of an X-ray of the shoulder joint is 150-200 UAH.
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