Purpose of the Wrist X-Ray AP/LAT with Scaphoid
1] Scaphoid Fractures: The primary reason for this X-ray is to detect fractures of the scaphoid. Since scaphoid fractures can sometimes be subtle or not immediately visible on a standard wrist X-ray, the AP and lateral views, along with additional focus on the scaphoid, help ensure that the fracture is not missed.
2] Wrist Trauma: The X-ray is used to assess any injury to the wrist, including fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage. If a patient experiences a fall onto an outstretched hand (a common cause of wrist injury), the X-ray can help identify any skeletal damage.
3] Arthritis and Degeneration: Over time, conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the wrist joints, leading to changes in bone structure, joint space narrowing, and the formation of bone spurs. The X-ray helps identify these changes, particularly in patients with chronic wrist pain.
4] Congenital or Developmental Issues: Some individuals may have congenital abnormalities or developmental issues that affect the scaphoid or other wrist bones. An X-ray can help assess the structure and alignment of the wrist.
5] Post-Treatment Evaluation: For patients who have already been treated for a scaphoid fracture or wrist injury, an X-ray can help assess the healing process or detect any complications, such as nonunion or malunion of a fracture.
How the Wrist X-Ray AP/LAT with Scaphoid is Performed ?
The X-ray of the wrist in the AP and lateral views with emphasis on the scaphoid is typically performed as follows:
1] Positioning: The patient is asked to sit or lie on an examination table with the arm resting comfortably. For the AP view, the patient’s palm is placed flat against the X-ray plate, with the wrist in a neutral position. For the lateral view, the wrist is turned so that the side of the hand faces the X-ray machine.
2] Scaphoid-Specific Positioning: In some cases, to specifically highlight the scaphoid bone, the technician may use additional positioning techniques, such as requesting the patient to rotate their wrist slightly or use special views like the “scaphoid view” or “oblique view”, which better visualizes the scaphoid bone in relation to other carpal bones.
3] Image Capture: The X-ray machine then emits a small amount of radiation to capture images of the wrist from multiple angles, including the AP and lateral views. The technician ensures the images are of high quality to evaluate both the overall wrist and the scaphoid in detail.
4] Multiple Views: Depending on the clinical suspicion or the patient’s symptoms, multiple views (such as additional oblique views) may be taken to provide a comprehensive understanding of the wrist and scaphoid bones.
