By how many degrees should the patient be rotated towards the bucky for an external rotation of the shoulder?

For an external rotation of the shoulder in an X-ray positioning context, the patient should be rotated towards the bucky by approximately 25-30 degrees. This angle is essential to ensure that the greater tubercle of the humerus is shown in profile and the glenohumeral joint is correctly visualized.

When performing this positioning technique, the specific degree of rotation allows for optimal imaging of the shoulder joint while maintaining the necessary anatomical relationships. If the angle of rotation is insufficient, it can lead to overlapping structures that hinder the diagnostic quality of the X-ray, making it difficult to assess the condition of the shoulder accurately.

The practice of rotating the patient within this range helps achieve the desired anatomical projection, aiding in both clinical evaluations and diagnostic interpretations. It is also important to consider that different types of radiographic examinations may have varied rotational degrees, but for external rotation, adhering to the 25-30 degree guideline is standard.