HAND LATERAL VIEW X-RAY SCAN
Also Known As
Lab Test
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About The Test
An XR - HAND LATERAL VIEW is one of the most trusted ways to evaluate the tiny bones and joints of your hand. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we use cutting-edge digital radiography to deliver sharp images in minutes—so you can start treatment faster.
Overview
Why a Hand Lateral View Matters
- Shows the side-on profile of every carpal bone.
- Detects fractures hidden in front-to-back views.
- Helps doctors track arthritis progression or foreign bodies.
When This View Is Preferred Over AP
- Suspected scaphoid fractures (best seen from the side).
- Checking joint-space narrowing in osteoarthritis.
- Confirming carpal bossing or bone spurs.
What is a Hand Lateral View X-Ray?
How the Image Is Captured
- You place your hand on its edge, thumb side up.
- A digital sensor sits parallel to your palm.
- The X-ray tube fires for less than a second.
Key Anatomical Landmarks in a Lateral View
- Scaphoid tubercle
- Lunate profile
- Distal radius alignment
- Soft-tissue fat pads
List of Parameters
- Bone alignment
- Joint spaces
- Soft-tissue shadows
- Implant positioning
Why This Test
- Suspected fractures (scaphoid, triquetrum)
- Arthritis monitoring
- Foreign body detection (glass, metal shards)
When to Take Test
When and Who Needs to Take a Hand Lateral View?
Common Indications
- Falls onto an outstretched hand
- Chronic wrist pain without trauma
- Post-op checks after fracture fixation
Age-Specific Considerations
- Children: Growth-plate injuries need gentle positioning.
- Seniors: Osteoporotic bones often show subtle breaks.
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Hand Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Quick diagnosis—results in 30 minutes at Cadabams Diagnostics.
- Cost-effective—
- Minimal discomfort—no contrast or injections.
Illnesses Diagnosed with Hand Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Scaphoid fracture (most common carpal break)
- Carpal bossing—bony lump at the back of the wrist
- Osteoarthritis—joint-space narrowing & osteophytes
Preparing for test
Clothing & Jewellery Guidelines
- Wear short sleeves or roll them up.
- Remove rings, bangles, watches.
What to Bring
- Doctor’s referral slip
- Old X-rays or CT scans for comparison
Pre-requisites
- Doctor’s referral (digital or printed).
- Pregnancy screening for women of child-bearing age.
Best Time to Take a Hand Lateral View
- Emergency cases: Immediate, 24×7.
- Routine: Morning slots avoid overnight swelling.
- Avoid imaging within 2 hours of acute injury if swelling is severe.
Eligibility
Pediatric Considerations
- Children ≥3 years can cooperate; younger kids may need gentle restraint.
Geriatric Considerations
- No upper age limit; osteoporosis protocols applied.
Procedure for Taking a Hand Lateral View
Step-by-Step Positioning
- Sit or stand next to the X-ray table.
- Lay the ulnar border of your hand flat on the detector.
- Keep fingers extended and thumb abducted.
- Hold still for 1 second.
Duration & Comfort Measures
- Total time: 5 minutes from entry to exit.
- Soft sponge pad under wrist to reduce strain.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Pregnancy & radiation safety: Inform staff; lead apron provided.
- Implants or hardware alerts: Pacemakers or plates do not affect the image.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal scan | No abnormalities detected; smooth joint lines, well-aligned bones | Indicative of healthy hand anatomy without fractures or joint disease |
| Hairline fracture | Thin, faint break in bone cortex, often subtle | Suggests minor fracture; requires clinical correlation and possibly further imaging |
| Joint-space narrowing | Decreased space between carpal or metacarpal joints | Common in osteoarthritis; indicates cartilage loss and joint degeneration |
| Soft tissue swelling | Enlarged soft tissue shadows around bones | May indicate inflammation, trauma, or infection; necessitates clinical follow-up |
| Foreign body presence | Radiopaque shadows not consistent with normal anatomy | Suggests embedded glass, metal, or other material; often requires removal or additional imaging |
Risks & Limitations
Radiation Exposure Facts
- <0.001 mSv—equivalent to 3 hours of natural background.
- Shielding is optional; minimal scatter.
Situations When the View May Be Inconclusive
- Severe swelling hides bony detail.
- Overlapping fingers obscure carpal alignment.
Types of Hand Imaging Options
Standard X-Ray vs. Digital Radiography
- Digital: Immediate preview, 50 % less dose.
- Standard: Film still used in some rural sites.
Portable Units for Bedside Studies
- ICU or ER patients who cannot stand.
- Same image quality, battery-powered.
FAQs
How long does the scan take?
About 5 minutes from positioning to image capture.
Is the test painful?
No. You simply rest your hand on a flat plate.
Can children undergo this scan?
Yes. We use pediatric dose settings and parental assistance.
When will I receive my report?
Same day—typically within 30 minutes at Cadabams Diagnostics.
What if a fracture is detected?
Our radiologist will highlight it in the report and recommend an orthopedic follow-up.
Do I need to fast before the scan?
Not at all. Eat, drink, and take medications normally.