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Musculoskeletal problems of the wrist and hand x ray

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

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
References

References

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