Elbow, Wrist, and Hand

Question 1

What are the 3 standard views of the elbow?

Answer 1

1) Anteroposterior (AP) with the hand supinated
2) Lateral with hand positioned laterally
3) Oblique with hand pronated

Question 2

In the AP view of the elbow where is the central ray directed?

Answer 2

Perpendicular to the elbow (with the elbow fully extended and supinated)

Question 3

What structures can be identified in the AP view of the elbow?

Answer 3

olecranon fossa

• medial humeral epicondyle
• lateral humeral epicondyle
• olecranon (behind the trochlea)
• trochlea
• capitulum
• coronoid process
• radial head

Question 4

What is the carrying angle of the forearm produced by?

Answer 4

longitudinal axes of distal humerus and proximal ulna

Question 5

The carrying angle is approximately how many degrees

Answer 5

15

Question 6

In the lateral view of the elbow where is the central ray directed?

Answer 6

Perpendicular to the elbow (with the arm abducted and flexed 90 degrees)

Question 7

What structures can be identified in the lateral view of the elbow?

Answer 7

• Overlapping trochlea and capitulum

- Overlapping radial head and coronoid process

Question 8

If a line is drawn along the longitudinal axis of the proximal radius where should it pass through?

Answer 8

the center of the capitulum

Question 9

If a line is drawn along the anterior border of the humerus what should it intersect?

Answer 9

the middle third of the capitulum

Question 10

In the internal oblique view of the elbow where is the central ray directed?

Answer 10

Perpendicular to the elbow (with the elbow fully extended and pronated)

Question 11

What structure is particularly prominent in the oblique view of the elbow?

Answer 11

The coronoid process of the ulna

Question 12

What are the 3 standard views of the wrist?

Answer 12

1) Posteroanterior (PA)
2) Lateral
3) Semipronated oblique

Question 13

In all 3 views of the wrist where is the central ray directed?

Answer 13

through the midcarpal joint

Question 14

Which wrist view is the most useful for diagnosis of fractures and dislocations of wrist?

Answer 14

PA

Question 15

The semi-pronated oblique view of the wrist allows for the evaluation of what two things?

Answer 15

scaphoid and distal radius

Question 16

A few special views are required due to the dynamic nature of the carpal bones such as radial and ulnar deviations. In these positions what structures can be seen prominently?

Answer 16

scaphoid when in ulnar deviation and carpal tunnel views

Question 17

What designates normal carpal alignment?

Answer 17

Three arcuate lines drawn along articular surfaces of the carpals

Question 18

What is ulnar variance?

Answer 18

the relative lengths of the distal articular surfaces of the radius and ulna.

Question 19

Describe neutral ulnar variance

Answer 19

both the ulnar and radial articular surfaces are at the same level

Question 20

Describe positive ulnar variance

Answer 20

the ulna projects more distally

Question 21

Describe negative ulnar variance

Answer 21

ulna projects more proximally

Question 22

The distal radius is normally angled toward the ulna at an angle of __ to __ degrees and has a palmar angulation of about the same angle.

Answer 22

15-25

Question 23

What are the 3 standard views of the wrist?

Answer 23

1) Posteroanterior (PA)
2) Oblique
3) Lateral

Question 24

In the PA and oblique views of the hand where is the central ray directed?

Answer 24

Perpendicular to the hand at the 3rd MCP joint

Question 25

What special tool is used to position the hand for an oblique radiograph?

Answer 25

45-degree angled foam block

Question 26

Why is the foam block used in the oblique radiograph?

Answer 26

Elevation of fingers opens MCP and IP joint spaces

Question 27

The oblique view of the hand is used when the ____ are the primary area of interest

Answer 27

phalanges

Question 28

In the lateral view of the hand where is the central ray directed?

Answer 28

Perpendicular to the hand at the 2nd MCP joint