Upper Limb

Question 1

Name the bones of the wrist.

Answer 1

Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate.

Question 2

What is the mnemonic for remembering the carpal bones?

Answer 2

“Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can’t Handle.”

Question 3

What type of joint is the radiocarpal joint?

Answer 3

Synovial (diarthrodial) ellipsoidal (condyloid) joint.

Question 4

What is the function of the carpal sulcus?

Answer 4

It forms the carpal tunnel, where nerves and tendons pass.

Question 5

Which wrist movement emphasizes the scaphoid?

Answer 5

Ulnar deviation.

Question 6

Which wrist movement emphasizes the lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, and hamate?

Answer 6

Radial deviation.

Question 7

Name the three concentric arcs visible in a lateral elbow X-ray.

Answer 7

Trochlear sulcus, outer ridges of capitulum and trochlea, and the trochlear notch.

Question 8

What type of joint are the interphalangeal (IP) joints?

Answer 8

Ginglymus (hinge) joints.

Question 9

What happens to the distal radius when the hand is pronated?

Answer 9

It crosses over the ulna.

Question 10

What is the classification of the elbow joint?

Answer 10

Synovial (diarthrodial) hinge joint.

Question 11

What movement does the Coyle method help visualize?

Answer 11

Radial head and coronoid process.

Question 12

What is a dislocation?

Answer 12

A bone is displaced from a joint.

Question 13

What is a subluxation?

Answer 13

A partial dislocation.

Question 14

Define a simple (closed) fracture.

Answer 14

A fracture that does not break the skin.

Question 15

Define a compound (open) fracture.

Answer 15

A fracture where the bone breaks through the skin.

Question 16

What is a comminuted fracture?

Answer 16

A bone is splintered or crushed into multiple fragments.

Question 17

What is an impacted fracture?

Answer 17

Bone fragments are driven into each other.

Question 18

What is a Colles’ fracture?

Answer 18

A distal radius fracture with posterior displacement.

Question 19

What is a Smith’s fracture?

Answer 19

A distal radius fracture with anterior displacement.

Question 20

What is a nursemaid’s elbow?

Answer 20

A radial head dislocation, common in children.

Question 21

What is the minimum SID for upper limb imaging?

Answer 21

40 inches (100 cm).

Question 22

What is the ideal kVp range for upper limb radiography?

Answer 22

60-80 kVp.

Question 23

What CR angulation is used for the AP axial (Modified Robert’s) projection?

Answer 23

15° proximal.

Question 24

What CR angulation is used for the tangential (Gaynor-Hart) projection?

Answer 24

25°-30° to the hand.

Question 25

What CR angulation is used for a PA axial scaphoid view with ulnar deviation?

Answer 25

10°-15° proximally.

Question 26

How many projections are required for an acute flexion AP elbow study?

Answer 26

Minimum of 2.

Question 27

Where should the CR be centered for a PA hand projection?

Answer 27

Third MCP joint.

Question 28

Where should the CR be centered for a lateral hand projection?

Answer 28

Second MCP joint.

Question 29

Where should the CR be centered for a PA wrist projection?

Answer 29

Midcarpal area.

Question 30

How is the hand positioned for a PA oblique wrist?

Answer 30

45° oblique with fingers extended.

Question 31

What does the 'Fan Lateral' hand projection demonstrate?

Answer 31

Individual phalanges while keeping metacarpals superimposed.

Question 32

How is the AP elbow positioned?

Answer 32

Fully extended, epicondyles parallel to IR.

Question 33

What is the Coyle method used for?

Answer 33

Trauma axial lateral elbow projections.

Question 34

What is the positioning error if the three concentric arcs are not aligned?

Answer 34

The elbow is not in a true lateral position.

Question 35

What projection best demonstrates Bennett’s fracture?

Answer 35

AP axial (Modified Robert’s method).

Question 36

What special projection best demonstrates the carpal tunnel?

Answer 36

Gaynor-Hart method.

Question 37

What does the PA Stress (Folio) method evaluate?

Answer 37

Ulnar collateral ligament injury.

Question 38

How is the hand positioned for the Modified Stecher method?

Answer 38

Elevated 20° with or without ulnar deviation.

Question 39

What CR angle is used for the tangential (carpal bridge) projection?

Answer 39

45° to the forearm.

Question 40

What is the scaphoid fat stripe?

Answer 40

A radiographic indicator of scaphoid fractures.

Question 41

What is the pronator fat stripe?

Answer 41

A soft tissue sign for wrist trauma.

Question 42

What are the three important fat pads in the elbow?

Answer 42

Anterior fat pad, posterior fat pad, supinator fat stripe.

Question 43

What is the clinical significance of the posterior fat pad?

Answer 43

A visible posterior fat pad suggests an elbow joint effusion.

Question 44

How does a fiberglass cast affect exposure factors?

Answer 44

Increase kVp by 3-4.

Question 45

How does a large or wet plaster cast affect exposure factors?

Answer 45

Increase kVp by 8-10.

Question 46

What are three basic trauma positioning principles?

Answer 46

* Part parallel to IR * CR 90° to part * Correct CR centering

Question 47

What should be included in an AP forearm projection?

Answer 47

Carpals to distal humerus.

Question 48

How should the forearm be positioned for a lateral projection?

Answer 48

Elbow flexed 90°, wrist in true lateral.

Question 49

How should the hand be positioned for a PA oblique thumb?

Answer 49

Palm flat against IR.

Question 50

Where should the CR be centered for an AP thumb?

Answer 50

First MCP joint.