Pan-oral radiography has become practicable through the introduction of a special X-ray tube. This oil-immersed tube containing the filament and magnetic focusing of the cathode stream is outside the mouth, while the anode at the end of a narrow metal sheath is within the mouth.

The seated patient, with back and neck immobilized, is placed with the median-sagittal plane vertical and the upper occlusal plane horizontal. 

With the patient supine and the shoulders raised on pillows the hips and keens are flexed, then by rotation of the limbs laterally from the hip joints through approximately 60 degrees, the knees are separated to bring the soles of the feet into apposition.

With the pelvis and limbs symmetrical, but with the single hip central to the couch, the foot is immobilized.

The raised shoulder being supported by sandbags with the arm in partial abduction and the elbow flexed. ( click for detail )

For the various forms of dislocation, radiographic examination may be required to show the position before reduction and/or after reduction to record the possibility of further bone injury. ( click for detail )

When the arm is restricted in movement relative to the trunk, the patient may sit or stand. ( click for detail )

Levels of important comparative landmarks are indicated. Right lateral to anterior, to posterior and left lateral positions with the subject erect. ( click for detail )