Wrist Critique

When performing the PA wrist, why is the hand placed in a loose fist?

it places the wrist & carpals in close contact w/ the IR which reduces OID

Which projection best demonstrates the carpal interspaces? Why?

AP; places intercarpal spaces more parallel to divergent rays

What is the most commonly fractured carpal bone? What bones on the wrist radiographs are more frequently fractured than any of the carpal bones?

scaphoid; radius

In the lateral position, why must the elbow be flexed 90 degrees?

so the shoulder, elbow, & wrist are on the same horizontal plane

What is the correct terminology used to refer to the PA projection of the scaphoid?

ulnar deviation

If the patient cannot rotate their hand, what alternative method can be utilized?

place hand on sponge 20 degrees and have tube perpendicular to IR

Name and explain 2 common fractures of the wrist.

- Colles fracture = transverse fracture of distal radius w/ posterior displacement; sometimes involves styloid process of ulna - Smith's fracture = opposite of Colles

If an angle is required for ulnar deviation, what is the degree and direction utilized?

10-15 degrees proximally, towards the elbow

Explain the phrase: post-reduction radiograph of the wrist.

a radiograph taken after the wrist has been set back in place

How would you achieve a lateral projection when there is an obvious fracture of the wrist?

do a cross table lateral projection

When performing the oblique projection, how many degrees is the wrist rotated and in what direction?

laterally 45 degrees

What will radial deviation demonstrate?

possible fracture of lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, hamate

Why is this PA scaphoid method performed?

possible scaphoid fracture

With what does the scaphoid articulate with proximally?

radius