X-Ray Wrist (Scaphoid View) Test

X-ray wrist (scaphoid view) is a part of a 4-view series regarding the wrist, the scaphoid and the surrounding carpal bones. Here, the central beam is angled to 15–30 degrees proximal to the long axis of the arm towards the elbow. The collimation is done proximal to the radiocarpal joint, lateral to the skin margins and distal to the base of the first metacarpal. Exposure is 55–65 kVp and 3–5 mAs. The detector size is 18 cm x 24 cm.

Fortunately, there is nothing to do. However, it is advisable to let your physician know where you have pain exactly so that the physician can place your hand in a comfortable position before the X-ray is done.

X-ray wrist is usually performed for detecting joint-space narrowing, tissue abnormalities, oblique projection and malalignment. It aids to find evidence of rheumatoid arthritis at early stages. It helps to find the causes of swelling, pain, or tenderness and show deformities of the wrist joint. It can detect dislocated joints and broken bones. It can also diagnose tumors, bone cysts, infections and other diseases in the wrist bones.

You will be seated beside the table.
1. Your affected arm is flexed at 90°, if possible, so that the arm and wrist rest on the
table.
2. The stricken wrist is placed with the palm down on the image receptor; the hand is in
ulnar deviation.
3. The scaphoid should appear a little elongated and free from superimposition.
4. There can be a minor superimposition of the metacarpal bases.
5. Articulation between the ulna and the distal radius has little superimposition.