Wrist - Lateral (Flexion)

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Wrist - Lateral (Flexion)
Area Covered	Distal radius and ulna, carpals, mid metacarpal area
Pathology shown	Normally performed as part of a functional series of the wrist for carpal ligament instabilities, often performed in conjunction with wrist in neutral + extension position, see functional views of the wrist
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, thumb up Wrist flexed
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning 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