Module 3 Radiographic Procedures: Thumb, Finger, and Hand

Flashcards on upper limb anatomy, pathology definitions, technical factors, and radiographic positioning for fingers, thumb, and hand.

Bennett Fracture

Fracture at the base of the first metacarpal.

Boxer Fracture

Fracture of the metacarpal neck.

Colles Fracture

Fracture of distal radius with posterior (dorsal) displacement.

Smith Fracture

Fracture of distal radius with anterior (palmar) displacement.

Torus or Buckle Fracture

Impacted fracture with bulging of periosteum.

Bone Cyst

Fluid-filled cyst with wall of fibrous tissue.

Bursitis

Inflammation of bursa.

Dislocation

Displacement of bone from joint space.

Gout

Hereditary form of arthritis in which uric acid is deposited in joints.

Joint Effusion

Accumulation of fluid in joint associated with underlying condition.

Metastases

Transfer of cancerous lesion from one area to another.

Osteoarthritis (or Degenerative Joint Disease)

Form of arthritis marked by progressive cartilage deterioration in synovial joints and vertebrae.

Osteomyelitis

Inflammation of bone owing to pyogenic infection.

Osteopetrosis

Increased density of atypically soft bone.

Osteoporosis

Loss of bone density.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic, systemic, inflammatory collagen disease.

Chondrosarcoma

Malignant tumor arising from cartilage cells.

Enchondroma

Benign tumor consisting of cartilage.

Ewing Sarcoma

Malignant tumor of bone arising in medullary tissue.

Osteosarcoma

Malignant, primary tumor of bone with bone or cartilage formation.

Norgaard Method ("Ball Catchers")

Bilateral AP oblique projection where hands are supinated and flexed at $45^\text{o}$ medial/internal rotation, with CR centered between the $5\text{th}$ MCP joints at $40''$ SID.

Hand "Fan" Lateral Positioning

Radiographic positioning with $40''$ SID, CR centered on the $2\text{nd}$ MCP joint, true lateral position at the wrist, and digits spread into a "fan" position keeping all digits parallel to the IR.

Hand, Finger, and Thumb Technical Factors

Standard technical settings including low kVp ($55$ to $65$), no grid, and $40''$ SID.

Upper Limb Skeleton Structure

Divided into four primary regions: 1. Hand and wrist, 2. Forearm, 3. Arm (humerus), and 4. Shoulder girdle.

Hand and Wrist Bone Groups

Composed of three main anatomical bone divisions: 1. Phalanges ($14$ bones), 2. Metacarpals ($5$ bones), and 3. Carpals ($8$ bones).

Finger PA Positioning

Projection performed at $40''$ SID, CR centered on PIP joint of interest, forearm resting on table, hand flat, and wrist straight, with collimation including the digit of interest and distal metacarpal.

Finger PA Oblique Positioning

Digit rotated $45^\text{o}$ lateral/external rotation (or medial rotation for the $2\text{nd}$ digit to reduce OID) and kept parallel to the IR, with CR centered on the PIP joint of interest at $40''$ SID.

Finger Lateral Positioning

Projection with true lateral position at wrist, arm rotated to reduce OID, digit parallel to IR, and CR centered on PIP joint of interest at $40''$ SID ($2\text{nd}$ and $3\text{rd}$ digits placed lateral side close to IR; $4\text{th}$ and $5\text{th}$ digits placed medial side close to IR).

Thumb AP Positioning

Ideal projection performed at $40''$ SID with CR centered on the $1\text{st}$ MCP joint, arm extended forward, and hand rotated internally to supinate the thumb.

Hand PA Positioning

Projection performed at $40''$ SID with CR centered on the $3\text{rd}$ MCP joint, hand placed flat on the IR with wrist straight.

Hand PA Oblique Positioning

Hand and wrist rotated $45^\text{o}$ lateral/external rotation with digits kept parallel to the IR, and CR centered on the $3\text{rd}$ MCP joint at $40''$ SID.