Upper Extremity

Question 1

Where is the central ray directed for the PA projection of the third digit?

Answer 1

Proximal interphalangeal joint of the third digit

Question 2

For the lateral projection of the second through fifth digits of the hand, through which joint should the CR be directed?

Answer 2

Proximal interphalangeal joint

Question 3

From the pronated position, how many degrees should the finger be rotated for a PA oblique projection of that finger?

Answer 3

45

Question 4

Which projection of the wrist requires the radial styloid process to be superimposed over the ulnar styloid process?

Answer 4

Lateral Projection

Question 5

Where is the CR directed for the PA projection of the hand?

Answer 5

To the third metacarpophalangeal joint

Question 6

Which projection of the wrist requires the finger end of the cassette to be elevated at an angle of 20 degrees from horizontal?

Answer 6

PA axial (Stecher method)

This projection is often used to better visualize the scaphoid bone.

Question 7

From the pronated position, how many degrees should the hand be rotated for the PA oblique projection?

Answer 7

45

Question 8

Which positioning maneuver of the wrist opens the carpal interspaces on the lateral side of the wrist?

Answer 8

Radial flexion

Question 9

For the AP projection of the forearm, which positioning step should be taken to prevent radial crossover?

Answer 9

Supinated the hand

This positioning helps maintain the proper alignment of the forearm bones.

Question 10

How should the hand be positioned for the AP projection and for the lateral projection of the forearm?

Answer 10

AP projection: hand supinated; lateral projection: hand lateral

Question 11

Which projection of the forearm requires the elbow to be flexed 90 degrees?

Answer 11

Lateral

Question 12

Which projection of the elbow best demonstrates the radial head free of bony superimposition?

Answer 12

Lateral (external) oblique

Question 13

With reference to the plane of the IR, how should the humeral epicondyles be positioned for the AP projection of the elbow?

Answer 13

Parallel

Question 14

Which evaluation criteria indicates that the humerus was properly positioned for the AP projection?

Answer 14

The humeral head and greater tubercle are both seen in profile

Question 15

Which positioning characteristic best indicates that the humerus was properly positioned for the AP projection?

Answer 15

The humeral epicondyles are parallel with the IR

Question 16

Which projection of the elbow best demonstrates the olecranon process within the olecranon fossa and the coronoid process in profile?

Answer 16

Medial oblique

Question 17

Which projection of the elbow best demonstrates the olecranon process in profile?

Answer 17

Lateral

Question 18

Where do we center for an AP projection of the thumb?

Answer 18

Metacarpophalangeal joint

Question 19

What projection of the thumb requires the patient to rotate the hand into extreme internal?

Answer 19

AP

Question 20

Where do we center for a PA projection of the third digit?

Answer 20

At the proximal interphalangeal joint

Question 21

What area is of primary interest if, for the PA oblique of the hand, the fingertips are allowed to rest on the IR?

Answer 21

Metacarpals

Question 22

In which lateral projection of the hand are only the proximal phalanges superimposed?

Answer 22

Fan lateral

Question 23

From the prone position, the wrist should be rotated ______ degrees for the PA oblique projection of the wrist.

Answer 23

45

Question 24

What surface of the wrist should be in contact with the cassette for the routine lateral projection of the wrist?

Answer 24

Ulnar

Question 25

What carpal bone is best demonstrated in the ulnar deviation view of the wrist?

Answer 25

Scaphoid/ navicular

Question 26

How should the humeral epicondyles appear in the image of the lateral projection of the forearm?

Answer 26

Perpendicular

Question 27

Which projection of the elbow shows the coronoid process in profile and the olecranon process within the olecranon fossa?

Answer 27

Medial oblique

Question 28

How many AP projections are necessary to best demonstrate the elbow without distortion when an injury prevents full extension of the elbow?

Answer 28

2- AP Distal humerus and AP Proximal forearm

Question 29

Why do we put the hand in a loose fist for the PA projection of the wrist?

Answer 29

To decrease OID under the bones of the wrist.

Question 30

Why is it important for the 'fat pads' in the elbow to be well demonstrated on a lateral elbow projection?

Answer 30

Damage to the fat pad could indicate injury to the radial head that may not be visible in AP, Oblique, and lateral images.

Question 31

Where should the central ray be directed for the PA projection of the wrist?

Answer 31

At the midcarpal area and perpendicular to the IR.

Question 32

How does the placement of the IR for the PA axial projection of the scaphoid differ from the PA projection of the wrist?

Answer 32

For the Stecher method, the IR is raised 20 degrees on the finger side, while it is parallel to the table for a regular PA projection of the wrist.

Question 33

Why do we perform an AP projection of the forearm rather than a PA?

Answer 33

An AP projection better demonstrates the radius and ulna next to each other, as they cross over in a PA view.

Question 34

Why might the patient have to lean laterally in an AP projection of the elbow?

Answer 34

To eliminate any rotation in the forearm so that the radius and ulna are not superimposed.