WRIST- STRUCTURES SHOWN

Wrist – PA Projection

Midmetacarpals, proximal metacarpals, carpals, distal radius, ulna, and associated joints. Pertinent soft tissues of the wrist joint, such as fat pads and fat stripes, are visible. All the intercarpal spaces do not appear open due to overlapping.

Wrist – AP Projection

The carpal interspaces are better shown in the AP projection than in the PA projection because of the oblique direction of the interspaces, making them more parallel to the divergent x-ray beam.

Wrist – Lateromedial Projection

Distal radius and ulna, carpals, and at least the midmetacarpal area are visible.

Wrist – Lateral Projection (Burman Method)

Lateral view of the scaphoid.

Wrist – PA Oblique Projection (Lateral Rotation)

Distal radius, ulna, carpals, and at least the midmetacarpal area are visible. The trapezium and scaphoid should be well visualized, with only slight superimposition of other carpals on their medial aspects.

Wrist – AP Oblique Projection (Medial Rotation)

This position separates the pisiform from the adjacent carpal bones. It also provides a more distinct radiograph of the triquetrum and hamate.

Wrist – PA Projection (Ulnar Deviation)

The scaphoid is shown. Opens carpal interspaces on the lateral side.

Wrist – PA Projection (Radial Deviation)

Radial deviation opens the interspaces between the carpals on the medial side of the wrist.

Wrist – PA/PA Axial Projections (Rafert-Long Method) Scaphoid Series

The scaphoid is shown with minimal superimposition.

Wrist – PA Axial Projection (Stetcher Method)

The 20-degree angulation of the wrist places the scaphoid at right angles to the central ray so that it is projected without self-superimposition.

Wrist – PA Axial Oblique Projection (Clements-Nakayama Method)

The image clearly shows the trapezium and its articulations with the adjacent carpal bones.

Wrist – Tangential Inferosuperior Projection (Gaynor-Hart Method)

The carpals are demonstrated in a tunnel-like, arched arrangement. This method is used for better demonstration of fractures of the hook of hamate, pisiform, and trapezium, as well as impingement of the median nerve.

Wrist – Superoinferior Projection (Carpal Canal)

This image of the carpal canal (carpal tunnel) shows the palmar aspect of the trapezium, the tubercle of the trapezium, and the scaphoid, capitate, hook of hamate, triquetrum, and entire pisiform.

Wrist – Tangential Projection (Carpal Bridge)

Tangential view of the dorsal aspect of the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum is visible. The outline of the capitate and trapezium is superimposed.