What is X-RAY FOREARM AP AND LAT?

One of the most common purposes to take an x-ray of the finger is to check it for fractures or tissue damage caused due to an accident. The oblique view of the finger is to check the phalanges and meta phalanges for fractures and other damages.

Preparation

No special diet or fasting is required before taking the x-ray of the knee joint. No special precautions are needed before the test except for the basic hygiene maintenance

Uses

X-ray of the finger is taken in order to check the fractures, dislocations, foreign body localization, scleroderma, erosive arthritis, avulsion fractures, traumatic injuries, and damage caused to the fingers The oblique view of the x-ray is done as it enhances the accuracy of the diagnosis by providing the clear vision and observation of the fingers.

Procedure

In order to have the correct and complete view of the joint, the x-ray is taken at different angles. This helps in proper and right diagnosis. The patient is seated alongside the table where the test needs to be taken
If possible, the affected arm is flexed at 90° so that the hand and the arm can rest on the table
From the basic PA position the hand is flexed to 45 degrees and the fingers are kept in an extension position parallel to the image receptor. The shoulder, wrist, and elbow must be in the transverse plane at a right angle to the central beam

Posteroanterior projection of the fingers:
centering point
third metacarpal head
collimation
laterally to the skin margins
proximal to include distal radioulnar joint
distal to the tips of the distal phalanges
orientation
portrait
detector size
18cm x 24 cm
exposure
50-60 kVp
1-5 mAs
SID
100 cm
grid
no
You might need to assist the patient with the sponge support so that he/she can maintain the proper position of the hand and fingers for the proper x-ray to be taken

Positioning for the oblique view:
Make the patient rest his forearm on the table with his hand pronated and the palm resting on the cassette
MCP joints must form a 45-degree angle with the cassette plane. Therefore, the obliquity of the hand must be adjusted accordingly.
A 45-degree foam edge can be used to give support to the fingers in the extended position for demonstrating the interphalangeal joints