Hand X-ray

What Is a Hand X-ray?

A hand x-ray portrays a detailed image of the hand allowing your healthcare doctor to assess the internal structures of the hand that includes the bones, joints and soft tissue membranes. This x-ray further assists with providing detailed assessments of osteoporotic fractures, bone infection, dislocation, arthritis and other chronic conditions. 

A hand x-ray test just like other x-ray tests is painless and is classified as a low radiation test that enables self-repairing images of human hands with outstanding resolution. 

Your medical practitioner provides an indication for this test usually to assist in the diagnosis and management of injurious and deformative conditions such as fractures, dislocations and arthritis. The test also assists your doctor in spotting and evaluating deviations from the normal ossification processes of the bones within the hands and wrists. This therefore assists doctors in determining the most appropriate mode of treatment. 

List of Parameters Considered During the Hand X-ray

In Other cases, the doctor may consider a variety of factors during the hand x-ray. Some of these factors include but are not limited to: - 

Bone Structure and Alignment 

• Bone Management 
• Bone Mass 
• Joint Position 
• Carpal Joint Position 

Soft Tissue Assessment 

• Tissue Edema 
• Tissue Nodular Clacinosis 
• Intra Body Artifacts 

Reasons for Taking a Hand X-ray

There are many reasons which may warrant a doctor to recommend to you a hand X Ray, such include: 

• Bone fractures
• The presence of arthritis
• Abnormal growth of bones
• Bone involvement in infection
• The presence of one or other deformities of bone

When And Who Needs to Take a Hand X-Ray? 

If you have been injured in an accident, or if you’re experiencing consistent pain, swelling, or restricted movement in your hand or wrist, you may have to go through a hand x-ray. 

Individuals diagnosed with chronic conditions, such as Arthritis, are usually advised to consider X-ray examinations. Additionally, doctors use this examination to check the development of bones in a growing child. 

Benefits of Taking a Hand X-ray

Hand x-ray scans have a wide range of advantages for both patients and doctors. Some of these pointers are: - With Regards To: 

For Doctors: 

• Correct Diagnosis
• Efficient Preparation of Treatment
• Keeping Track of Recovery
• Stress Meging Disorder Diagnosis

For Patients: 

• Speedy and Motorized
• Auscultation and Precautions
• Less Guess Work
• Taking Patient to Build Confidence
• Improvement of the Life’s Standards

Preparing for the Hand X-ray

A hand X-ray takes around 10-15 minutes, so there is no need for personal preparation, however, the below factors could help to enhance your experience. 

Explained Requirements: 

Items like rings, bracelets, or anything made of metal (including lotions) should be removed before the procedure as they may obstruct the quality of the image. 

Best Time to Scan: 

The x-ray can be done at any time of the day because there is no dedicated time; it is recommended for patients according to their symptoms. 

Who is Eligible: 

Gender and Age do not impose any restrictions and any person is eligible to undergo hand x rays. 

Let’s go ahead and address the need for pregnant women to seek medical attention prior to the imaging of their hand. 

Procedure for Taking the Hand X-ray 

Next, the hand X-ray process will involve the tech targeting and isolating the area of the wrist along with the directional manipulations that the user’s hand can undertake in order to bring about clarity in the images captured. As this procedure does not take much time, it is most likely to be done in a matter of a couple of minutes or so. 

Precautions before performing an X-ray 

As stated above, if one were to ask me hand X-ray, for the most part is harmless, albeit if you are a pregnant woman please tell your doctor about your condition. If you possess any metal implant in your hand or wrist, it is in your best interest to as well inform the technician.