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