Musculoskeletal problems of the wrist and hand x ray

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

• Plain X-Rays
  • Indicated if suspected arthritis (radiocarpal, CMC) or fracture
  • Usual views = Posteroanterior (PA), PA oblique, lateral
  • PA ulnar deviation views views needed for suspected scaphoid fracture; may be negative for 1-2 weeks
  • X-rays should be normal if:
    • Simple sprain
    • CMC strain (vs. CMC OA—abnormal films)
    • DeQuervain’s – films not indicated
    • Gamekeeper’s thumb – films not indicated
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome – films not indicated
    • Dorsal ganglion – films not indicated

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