Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Musculoskeletal problems of the wrist and hand x ray
Introduction
X-Ray
X-Ray
- 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
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]