Wrist - Lateral

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Wrist - Lateral
Area Covered	Distal radius and ulna, carpals, mid metacarpal area
Pathology shown	Fracture, dislocation, arthritis, foreign body
Radiographic Anatomy	Wrist Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	24 x 30cm Landscape, divided in thirds usually fits 3 projections, use lead masking for unused area
Film / Screen Combination	Detail (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid	No
Filter	No
Exposure	53 kVp 4 mAs
FFD / SID	100cm
Central Ray	Directed to the mid-carpal area Perpendicular to the IR
Collimation	Centre: Mid-carpal area Shutter A: Half the metacarpals to one quarter of distal radius and ulna Shutter B: Skin margin
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 Elbow flexed 90° Abduct humerus so it is parallel with IR Hand and wrist on IR Hand and wrist in lateral position, with thumb up
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning The wrist in a lateral position demonstrated by: Super-imposition of distal end of scaphoid and pisiform Super-imposition of the radius and ulna Long axis of first metacarpal is aligned parallel with forearm Ulna styloid in profile posteriorly Trapezium with no super-imposition of first metacarpal Area Covered Distal radius and ulna, carpals, mid metacarpal area Collimation Centre: Mid-carpal area Shutter A: Half the metacarpals to one quarter of distal radius and ulna Shutter B: Skin margin Exposure Bony trabecular patterns and cortical outlines are sharply defined Soft tissues are visualised Sufficient contrast and density to demonstrate posterior fat stripe
Special Notes