RadteraXR Wrist
XRNo contrastMSK
Indications
- Wrist pain/trauma
- Suspected fracture (distal radius, scaphoid)
- Arthritis
- Carpal alignment/instability
- Postoperative evaluation
Patient prep
- Remove rings, watch, radiopaque objects from hand/wrist
Contrast
None / non-contrast
Technique
- PA: forearm pronated, hand flat (slight finger flexion arches carpals to IR), CR perpendicular to midcarpal area
- Lateral: hand and wrist in true lateral (thumb up), CR to midcarpal
- PA oblique: 45 deg lateral rotation from pronation
- SID 40 inches; kVp ~55-65; tabletop
Series / Sequences
| # | Series / Sequence | Plane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PA | Frontal | Pronated, CR to midcarpus; slight flexion improves carpal contact |
| 2 | PA oblique | Oblique | 45 deg external rotation; demonstrates trapezium, scaphoid, radial-side carpals |
| 3 | Lateral | Sagittal | True lateral; assesses carpal/radial alignment and dorsal/volar displacement |
Key points
- Scaphoid views (ulnar deviation PA and/or angled CR / Stecher method) when scaphoid fracture suspected
- Carpal tunnel (tangential, Gaynor-Hart) view for carpal tunnel/hook of hamate
- Repeat scaphoid imaging in 10-14 days if initial negative but clinically suspected
References
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
‹ PreviousXR Tibia-Fibula (Tib-Fib)Next ›Arthrogram (Fluoro-Guided Joint Injection — Shoulder/Hip/Wrist)
Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.