Finger - Lateral

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Finger - Lateral
Area Covered	Distal, middle and proximal phalanges and head of adjoining metacarpal
Pathology shown	Fracture, dislocation, foreign body, infection, tumour, arthritis
Radiographic Anatomy	Hand Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	18 x 24cm Landscape, divided for multiple finger images, use lead masking for unused area
Film / Screen Combination	Detail (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid	No
Filter	No
Exposure	50 kVp 2 mAs
FFD	100cm
Central Ray	Directed to the proximal interphalangeal joint Perpendicular to the IR
Collimation	Centre: Proximal interphalangeal joint Shutter A: From the distal phalanx to the head of the adjoining metacarpal Shutter B: To include soft tissues
Markers	Distal and Lateral Marker orientation AP
Shielding	Gonadal (check your department's policy guidelines)
Respiration	Not applicable
Positioning	Patient seated at end of table Demonstrate position to patient Ask patient to extend digit Flex other digits Elevate elbow and support to get digit flat Rotate digit into lateral positon 2nd digit may require medial hand rotation 3rd to 5th digit may require lateral hand rotation Proximal interphalangeal joint of affected digit in centre May require positioning aides (eg. sponge) to support digit and prevent motion
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning Entire digit in true lateral position demonstrated by Anterior surfaces of the middle and proximal phalanges will be concave Posterior aspect slightly convex No rotation of phalanges Finger nail, if visualised, will be in profile Phalanges are not foreshortened Interphalangeal joint spaces open No obstruction of proximal phalanx or metacarpophalangeal joint by adjacent digits Area Covered Distal, middle amd proximal phalanges of affected digit and its adjoining metacarpal head Collimation From the distal phalanx to the metacarpal head and soft tissues Exposure Bony trabecular patterns and cortical outlines are sharply defined Soft tissues are visualised
Special Notes