X-Ray Wrist (LAT View) Test

A wrist X-Ray is a safe and painless test which makes use of a small amount of radiation to create an image of a person’s wrist. The lateral wrist view is a part of a 3 view series of the wrist and is the orthogonal projection of the posteroanterior (PA) wrist. During X-Ray, the X-Ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the wrist and an image is recorded on a computer screen or on a special X-Ray film. The recorded image shows the soft tissues and eight small wrist bones and the ends of the forearm bones. The lateral wrist view indicates multiple carpal bones overlying and is also an essential view for evaluating the alignment of the capitate, lunate and radius in the setting of a reckoned dislocation.

A wrist X-Ray does not require any type of special preparation. You need not fast or stop taking the medicines unless advised by the doctor. You may be asked to remove the clothing and wear the hospital gown if required. You are also asked to remove jewelry, or any metal objects like keys, chains, wristbands, or any other items which might interfere with the image. You also need to inform the doctor regarding the underlying medications and allergies before undergoing wrist X-Ray. You must also inform the doctor if you are pregnant because there is a small chance that the radiation might harm the fetus. So precautions need to be taken before the X-Ray.

A wrist X-Ray (LAT view) helps to find the cause of common signs and symptoms such as show deformities, swelling, tenderness, and pain of the wrist joint. The test also helps in detecting dislocated joints and broken bones. The test also helps in determining whether the broken bones after the setting are in alignment or not. X-Ray is also useful in detecting infections, tumors, bone cysts and other diseases in the bones. A wrist X-Ray is also considered as a part of the bone-age study which helps the doctors in determining the growth abnormality.

After entering the X-Ray room you need to sit alongside the table and the affected arm is flexed at 90 degrees so that the wrist and arm can rest on the table. The wrist and elbow should be at shoulder height and all should be in the transverse plane which is perpendicular to the central beam. The technician will then operate the X-Ray machines. Usually, 2-3 X-Rays that is from front, side and from an angle is taken. The whole procedure takes 10-15 minutes.