X-Ray Wrist Both (AP / Obl View) Test

Imaging techniques play a very important role in evaluating the complex anatomy of the soft tissue and bones of the wrist. The specialized views and standards wrist radiographs still form a very important imaging modality to untangle the wrist pathology in their simplest forms. The anteroposterior (AP) wrist view and oblique wrist view are the part of three view series of the carpal bones and the wrist. The oblique wrist view is generally not performed in follow-up studies unless specifically requested. The AP view demonstrates the carpal joint spaces more clearly. The AP view is very helpful in evaluating a scapholunate dissociation.

An x-ray of the wrist does not require any special preparation. You do not need to restrict food and liquids intakes unless advised by the doctor. If needed, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. You are also asked to remove all the metal items like jewelry, chains, keys or wristbands which might interfere with the results while scanning. You also need to inform the doctor if you are pregnant or might think to be pregnant. You also need to inform the doctor regarding certain medication or underlying medication or allergies before undergoing the x-ray examination.

An x-ray wrist with both AP and an oblique view is helpful in finding the cause of behind the signs and symptoms of pain, tenderness, swelling, and deformities of the wrist joint. The test is very helpful for detecting the broken bones and dislocated joints. An x-ray of the wrist is performed for various wrist pathologies along with trauma. The test is very useful in detecting various infections, bone cysts, tumors and other severe diseases in the bones. The test is also done because it is quite helpful in determining whether the broken bones are in alignment or not after the setting has been done.

On entering the X-ray room, you need to sit alongside the table in a relaxed position. For an AP view, the image is taken by placing the dorsum of the hand over x-ray film cassette. The palm faces towards the x-ray machine tube. For an oblique view, the affected arm is flexed at 90 degrees so that the wrist and arm can rest on the table. The x-ray beam passes from palmar to dorsal. The elbow and wrist are at a shoulder height and all should be in the transverse plane which is perpendicular to the central beam. The technician operating the machine records multiple images from a different angle.