Can you explain the left shoulder X‑ray findings in simple terms for a family member?

Normal Left Shoulder X-Ray Explained

The X-ray shows that your family member's left shoulder is completely normal—there are no fractures, dislocations, arthritis, or other problems visible on this imaging study. 1

What the Radiologist Checked

The radiologist systematically evaluated all the key structures of the shoulder, and here's what each finding means in plain language:

The Bones

• "Normal glenohumeral articulation": The ball-and-socket joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) meets the shoulder blade (scapula) is properly aligned with no dislocation 1
• "Normal acromioclavicular joint": The joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade at the top of the shoulder shows no separation or arthritis 1
• "Normal acromion": The bony roof of the shoulder (part of the shoulder blade) has normal shape and no fractures 1
• "Normal humeral head and visualized proximal humerus": The ball portion of the shoulder joint and the upper part of the arm bone show no fractures, cysts, or abnormal changes 1
• "Normal visualized scapula": The visible portions of the shoulder blade appear normal 1

The Soft Tissues

• "No demonstrated soft tissue abnormality": The muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues around the shoulder that can be seen on X-ray appear normal 1
• "Normal visualized pulmonary apex": The very top of the lung that shows up on shoulder X-rays looks normal (this is routinely checked) 1

What This Means Clinically

X-rays are excellent at showing bone problems like fractures, dislocations, and arthritis, but they cannot see most soft tissue injuries. 1 If your family member continues to have shoulder pain despite these normal X-rays, the problem may involve structures that don't show up well on plain radiographs, such as:

• Rotator cuff tendons (the muscles and tendons that move the shoulder) 2
• The labrum (cartilage rim around the shoulder socket) 1
• Shoulder bursae (fluid-filled cushions) 3
• Ligament sprains 1

Next Steps If Pain Persists

If symptoms continue, the American College of Radiology recommends either MRI or ultrasound as the next imaging step, both rated equally appropriate (9/9), with the choice depending on what's available locally and the expertise of the providers 3, 2. These advanced imaging tests can detect soft tissue injuries that X-rays cannot visualize 1, 4.

The key message: Normal X-rays are reassuring that there are no fractures or dislocations, but they don't rule out all possible shoulder problems. 1, 4