In an emergency department, which projection(s) should be obtained for a suspected right humerus fracture?

For a suspected right humerus fracture, obtaining an anteroposterior (AP) view without moving the arm, along with a transthoracic lateral projection, is crucial. The AP view provides a comprehensive overview of the humerus and allows for assessment of the fracture's alignment. However, for fractures where there is significant trauma or when the patient is unable to move their arm, the transthoracic lateral projection is particularly beneficial. This projection helps visualize the humeral head and the greater tubercle without requiring the patient to reposition their arm, minimizing further injury and discomfort. This method ensures that any associated injuries, such as dislocations, can also be identified.

Other options may fall short in providing the necessary views. For instance, using only the anteroposterior view or a translateral projection would not give a complete picture of the injury. Examining both the AP view along with the transthoracic lateral ensures a thorough evaluation of the humerus while accommodating for the patient's potential inability to move their arm safely. Thus, the combination of these two projections is the most effective way to assess a suspected fracture in such a scenario.