HAND LATERAL VIEW X-RAY SCAN
Also Known As
Lab Test
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About The Test
Purpose of the scan
- Side-profile imaging of the hand to evaluate bone alignment, joint spaces, and soft tissues.
- Identifies fractures, dislocations, arthritis, or foreign objects.
Key takeaways in one glance - Time: 5 minutes
- Pain: None
- Radiation: Very low dose
- Results: Same day at Cadabams
What is Hand Lateral View X-Ray Scan?
2.1 Definition and imaging technique
A HAND LATERAL VIEW X-RAY SCAN captures the hand from the side, with fingers either stacked or slightly separated. The x-ray beam passes from the thumb side to the pinky side, producing a side-view image that complements front-to-back (PA) and angled (oblique) views.
2.2 How it differs from PA and oblique views
| View Type | Beam Direction | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral | Side-to-side | Joint alignment & depth injuries |
| PA (postero-anterior) | Back-to-front | General hand overview |
| Oblique | 45° angle | Hidden fractures, subtle dislocations |
Types of Hand Lateral View X-Ray Scan
| Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Standard lateral | Hand in neutral side position | Routine fractures & arthritis checks |
| Stress lateral | Gentle finger traction applied | Ligament integrity evaluation |
| Digital x-ray | Direct-to-computer capture | Instant review, adjustable contrast |
| Conventional film | Traditional film cassette | Still used where digital unavailable |
List of Parameters
- Bone alignment: Checks metacarpals & phalanges in straight line
- Joint spaces: Uniform gaps indicate healthy cartilage
- Soft-tissue shadows: Swelling, gas, or calcification clues
- Foreign bodies: Splinters, glass, or metal fragments
Why This Test
- Trauma evaluation after falls, sports, or accidents
- Arthritis monitoring—tracks joint-space narrowing
- Post-surgical assessment—confirms plate or screw position
- Infection screening—identifies bone changes in osteomyelitis
When to Take Test
3.1 Common symptoms warranting the scan
- Sudden pain after a fall or impact
- Swollen knuckles or finger joints
- Limited finger movement
- Grinding sound (crepitus) in joints
3.2 Age groups and risk factors
- Adults: Sports injuries, work injuries, osteoarthritis
- Children: Playground falls, finger jams
- Elderly: Osteoporosis-related fractures
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Hand Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- 5-minute procedure—perfect for busy schedules
- High-resolution images—clear detail for accurate diagnosis
- Same-day reporting—walk out with results at Cadabams
- No fasting or sedation required
Illnesses Diagnosed with Hand Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Fractures: Boxer’s fracture, Bennett’s fracture, phalangeal breaks
- Dislocations: Finger joints or thumb CMC joint
- Osteoarthritis: Joint-space loss, bone spurs
- Bone cysts & tumors: Unilocular or expansile lesions
Preparing for test
- Remove rings, watches, and bracelets
- Wear loose sleeves or change into a gown
- Declare pregnancy to the technician
- Carry insurance card for cashless processing
Pre-requisites Hand Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Doctor’s referral slip or digital prescription
- Previous imaging CDs or reports (if any) for comparison
- Valid ID for registration
Best Time to Take the Hand Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Acute injury: Within 24 hours to avoid delayed healing
- Routine follow-up: Any weekday morning, 8 AM–12 PM (shorter wait times)
Eligibility
- Minimum age: Newborns under parental consent—no age restriction
- Weight limits: Standard x-ray tables accommodate all weights; no extra charge for bariatric patients
- Mobility aids: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available
Procedure for Taking a Hand Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Check-in at reception; receive token number
- Positioning: Hand placed on cassette, fingers stacked, thumb slightly flexed
- Beam settings: 40–50 kVp, 100 cm focus-to-film distance
- Image capture: 0.02–0.1 seconds exposure
- Review: Technologist checks image clarity on screen
- Done: Free to leave; report emailed within 2 hours
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Pregnancy screening: Mandatory for females 12–50 years
- Implants: Inform staff if you have finger joint prosthetics or metal implants—may need angle adjustment
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Straight bone lines, even joint spaces, no fractures | |
| Abnormal | Displaced fragments, narrowed joint spaces, air pockets, or foreign bodies | |
| Next steps | Fractures → orthopedic consult; Arthritis → rheumatologist referral | |
| Digital copies | Available on Cadabams patient portal within 30 minutes | |
Risks & Limitations
- Radiation exposure: Roughly equal to 3–5 days of natural background radiation—minimal and safe for adults.
- Image quality limits: Severe swelling or large casts can obscure fine details.
- Pregnancy: Not recommended for pregnant patients unless medically essential.
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.