Radiology corner: Review of plain radiographs

Abstract

In an era in which the options for diagnostic imaging of the hand and wrist have become increasingly complex (and expensive), plain radiography remains the first step in nearly every patient’s work-up for a wide variety of wrist problems. Although the techniques of radiography are well known and broadly available, there remains much variability between examinations primarily owing to differences in positioning. This short report describes the most common type of routine radiographic examination of the wrist, proper positioning, and pitfalls in interpretation related to radiographic technique.