Positioning and Projections of the Wrist
10 - 15 degrees proximally toward elbow
Direction the CR should be angled for a PA scaphoid
Partial superimposition
Will be present in the radius and ulna on a radiograph of a correct PA oblique wrist
Metacarpals 3, 4, and 5
Will be superimposed on a radiograph of a correct PA oblique wrist
60 - 65
kV range for all wrist projections except the tangential carpal bridge
Radius and ulna
Must be superimposed for a lateral wrist
Hand and forearm are rotated laterally 45 degrees to rest on a support
Part position for a PA oblique wrist
Ulnar deviation with the hand tilted out (toward the ulna) (fingers may be curled under)
Part position for a PA scaphoid
Palm down with fingers curled under
Part position for a PA wrist. This position brings the carpals bones closer to the IR and prevents elongation or foreshortening of them
Hand and forearm in a true lateral position with the thumb up
Part position for a lateral wrist
Concavity
Should be equal on the metacarpal shafts on a radiograph of a correct PA wrist
Minimal superimposition
Should be present of the distal scaphoid and distal radioulnar joint on a radiograph of a correct PA scaphoid
Mid metacarpals and distal radius and ulna
Are to which you should collimate for a PA wrist, a PA oblique wrist, and a lateral wrist
Find the radial styloid and move 2 cm distally and 2 cm medially
How to find the scaphoid when centering the CR for a PA scaphoid
8 x 10
IR size for all wrist projections
Lateral wrist
Lateromedial projection of the wrist used to view the distal radius and ulna and anteroposterior dislocations
Scaphoid
Place where the CR should be centered for a PA scaphoid
Midcarpal area (wrist joint)
Place where the CR should be centered for a PA wrist, a PA oblique wrist, and a lateral wrist
PA wrist
Projection for the wrist that is used to view the distal radius and ulna as well as the carpal bones
PA oblique wrist
Projection of the angled wrist to view the distal radius and ulna and the carpal bones
PA scaphoid
Projection of the wrist that uses ulnar deviation to view the scaphoid
Tangential carpal canal with inferosuperior projection and tangential carpal bridge
Projections of the wrist that are now taken using CT or MRI
Separation and minimal superimpositon
Should be visible between the radius and ulna on a radiograph of a correct PA wrist
Rotation
Should not be visible on a radiograph of a correct PA scaphoid
Radius and ulna and proximal metacarpals 2-5
Structures that will be superimposed on a radiograph of a correct lateral wrist