Finger Lateral
4
Feb

Overview

The lateral finger radiograph profiles the phalanges to assess displacement and angulation. The digit is positioned true lateral with adjacent fingers separated. This view is essential for evaluating dorsal or volar displacement and joint alignment.

Technique

Place the finger in true lateral with the plane of interest parallel to the detector. Use a small focal spot and immobilize the digit to reduce motion. Collimate tightly to minimize dose and improve image quality.

Clinical Indications

Lateral finger is indicated for trauma suspected dislocation and assessment of angulation. It complements PA and oblique views for comprehensive evaluation. It guides management decisions for reduction and fixation.

Image Assessment

Assess dorsal or volar displacement and measure angulation when present. Evaluate joint congruity and soft tissue swelling. Report findings and recommend orthopedic consultation when indicated.

Finger Oblique
4
Feb

Overview

The oblique finger radiograph rotates the digit to separate cortical margins and reveal fracture lines. This projection reduces overlap and enhances detection of small fractures. It is routinely obtained with PA and lateral views for complete evaluation.

Technique

Rotate the finger approximately 45 degrees and center the detector to the affected phalanx. Use tight collimation and a small focal spot for optimal detail. Ensure patient comfort and immobilize the digit to minimize motion.

Clinical Indications

Oblique finger views are indicated for trauma and suspected occult fractures. They help visualize avulsion fragments and joint surface involvement. Correlate with clinical findings and consider follow up radiographs for healing.

Image Assessment

Evaluate cortical continuity and joint alignment and look for small intra articular fragments. Assess soft tissue swelling and tendon avulsion sites. Document findings relevant to orthopedic management.

Finger PA
4
Feb

Overview

The PA finger radiograph evaluates phalanges and interphalangeal joints for fractures and dislocations. The finger is placed flat on the detector with slight separation from adjacent digits. This targeted view provides high resolution assessment of small bone injuries.

Technique

Center the detector to the affected digit and collimate tightly to reduce dose. Use a small focal spot and appropriate exposure for fine detail. Immobilize the finger and use positioning aids for comfort.

Clinical Indications

PA finger is indicated for trauma localized pain and suspected foreign body. It helps detect tuft fractures avulsions and joint subluxations. Additional oblique and lateral views complement the PA projection.

Image Assessment

Inspect cortical margins for fracture lines and evaluate joint spaces for subluxation. Look for soft tissue swelling and foreign bodies. Report findings and recommend follow up imaging if healing assessment is required.

Hand Lateral
4
Feb

Overview

The lateral hand radiograph evaluates sagittal alignment of the digits and metacarpals. The hand is positioned with fingers superimposed and the thumb slightly abducted. This view is useful for assessing displacement and rotational deformity.

Technique

Place the hand in true lateral with the ulnar side down and ensure fingers are aligned. Use a short exposure time to minimize motion and include the wrist when indicated. Immobilize the hand for reproducible positioning.

Clinical Indications

Lateral hand is indicated for trauma suspected dislocation and evaluation of foreign bodies. It complements PA and oblique views for comprehensive assessment. It is essential for preoperative planning in complex injuries.

Image Assessment

Evaluate dorsal or volar displacement of fractures and inspect for rotational malalignment. Assess joint congruity and soft tissue swelling. Document findings relevant to surgical planning and rehabilitation.

Hand Oblique
4
Feb

Overview

The oblique hand radiograph rotates the hand approximately 45 degrees to profile metacarpals and phalanges. This projection reduces overlap and improves detection of fractures. It is routinely obtained with PA and lateral views for comprehensive assessment.

Technique

Rotate the hand laterally about 45 degrees and center the detector to the third metacarpal. Ensure consistent rotation and immobilize the hand to minimize motion. Use appropriate collimation to include the entire hand.

Clinical Indications

Oblique hand views are indicated for trauma and suspected occult fractures. They help visualize metacarpal neck and shaft injuries and joint subluxations. Correlate with clinical exam and consider CT for complex fractures.

Image Assessment

Inspect cortical margins for fracture lines and evaluate joint congruity. Assess for rotational deformity and malalignment. Report findings and recommend orthopedic follow up when indicated.

Hand PA
4
Feb

Overview

The PA hand radiograph evaluates phalanges metacarpals and carpometacarpal joints for fractures and arthritis. The palm is placed flat on the detector with fingers extended. This view is standard for hand trauma and chronic disease assessment.

Technique

Center the detector to the third metacarpal and ensure fingers are parallel and separated slightly. Use appropriate exposure and immobilize the hand to reduce motion. Include the distal forearm when indicated for wrist pathology.

Clinical Indications

PA hand is indicated for trauma deformity and suspected infection or arthritis. It helps detect fractures dislocations and erosive changes. Additional oblique and lateral views provide complementary information.

Image Assessment

Evaluate cortical continuity joint spaces and alignment of the metacarpals and phalanges. Look for subluxation and periarticular erosions in inflammatory disease. Document findings relevant to surgical or conservative management.

Wrist Scaphoid View
4
Feb

Overview

The scaphoid view positions the wrist in ulnar deviation to elongate the scaphoid and improve fracture detection. It is obtained when scaphoid injury is suspected despite normal standard views. Early detection prevents non union and long term dysfunction.

Technique

Ask the patient to ulnar deviate the wrist and center the detector to the scaphoid waist. Use a slight cranial tube angle if needed to profile the scaphoid. Immobilize the wrist and minimize motion during exposure.

Clinical Indications

Scaphoid view is indicated for snuffbox tenderness and suspected scaphoid fracture. It complements PA and lateral views and may be followed by dedicated CT or MRI if radiographs are inconclusive. Early immobilization is recommended when clinical suspicion is high.

Image Assessment

Inspect the scaphoid waist and proximal pole for cortical disruption and sclerosis. Evaluate for associated radial styloid fractures and carpal instability. Report findings and recommend further imaging if needed.

Wrist Lateral
4
Feb

Overview

The lateral wrist radiograph assesses sagittal alignment of the carpus and distal radius. The hand is positioned in true lateral with the thumb side up. This view is important for evaluating dorsal or volar displacement and carpal instability.

Technique

Align the wrist so the radius and ulna are superimposed on the lateral projection. Use consistent positioning and include the distal forearm and metacarpals. Immobilize the hand to minimize motion and ensure reproducibility.

Clinical Indications

Lateral wrist is indicated for trauma suspected dislocation and assessment of carpal alignment. It complements PA and oblique views for comprehensive wrist evaluation. It is useful in preoperative planning and follow up.

Image Assessment

Assess dorsal and volar displacement of fractures and evaluate carpal height and alignment. Look for perilunate and lunate dislocations. Correlate with clinical findings and consider CT for complex injuries.

Wrist PA
4
Feb

Overview

The PA wrist radiograph evaluates carpal bones distal radius and ulna for fractures and degenerative change. The patient places the palm flat on the detector with the wrist in neutral. This view is the foundation for wrist imaging and guides further projections.

Technique

Center the detector to the mid carpal region and ensure the wrist is flat without rotation. Use appropriate collimation to include the distal forearm and proximal metacarpals. Immobilize the hand to reduce motion artifact.

Clinical Indications

PA wrist is indicated for trauma pain and suspected scaphoid or distal radius fractures. It assesses carpal alignment and joint space narrowing. Additional oblique and lateral views complement the PA projection.

Image Assessment

Inspect cortical margins for fracture lines and evaluate carpal spacing and alignment. Look for signs of scapholunate dissociation and degenerative changes. Recommend targeted views or CT for occult injuries.

Elbow Lateral
4
Feb

Overview

The lateral elbow radiograph profiles the olecranon and distal humerus to assess alignment and displacement. The elbow is flexed 90 degrees with the forearm in neutral. This view is sensitive for detecting displaced fractures and joint effusion.

Technique

Position the elbow in true lateral with the humeral epicondyles superimposed. Use a short exposure time to minimize motion blur and include the distal humerus and proximal forearm. Ensure consistent positioning for follow up comparisons.

Clinical Indications

Lateral elbow is indicated for trauma suspected dislocation and evaluation of joint congruity. It helps identify olecranon fractures and posterior displacement. Correlate with AP and oblique views for comprehensive assessment.

Image Assessment

Evaluate the anterior humeral line and radiocapitellar alignment for pediatric fractures. Inspect the olecranon process and coronoid for cortical disruption. Document displacement and recommend orthopedic consultation when indicated.