Upper Extremity Procedures Flashcards

Which method is used to image the AC joints with and without weights to assess ligament integrity?

Answer: Rockwood method

The Rockwood method obtains bilateral AP AC joint views with the patient holding weights to stress the joint and reveal ligament disruption.

For a PA projection of the hand, the central ray is directed to the:

Answer: Third MCP joint

The CR is centered to the third MCP joint for a PA hand projection to include all digits and carpals on the image.

A fracture of the hook of the hamate is best demonstrated by which special projection?

Answer: Carpal canal (Gaynor-Hart) view

The carpal canal (Gaynor-Hart) projection projects the hook of the hamate in profile, making hamate hook fractures visible.

The Stecher method for the scaphoid positions the hand in ulnar deviation and angles the CR:

Answer: 20° toward the elbow (proximally)

The Stecher method angles the CR 20° toward the elbow (proximally) to better elongate and visualize the scaphoid through the wrist.

Which projection of the shoulder requires the patient's arm abducted 90° with the elbow flexed and the CR directed through the axilla?

Answer: Inferosuperior axial (Lawrence method)

The inferosuperior axial (Lawrence method) places the CR through the axilla with the arm abducted to profile the humeral head in the glenoid.

For a true AP (Grashey method) of the glenohumeral joint, the patient is rotated how many degrees toward the affected side?

Answer: 35–45°

Rotating the patient 35–45° toward the affected shoulder opens the glenohumeral joint space en face for the Grashey projection.

What SID is recommended for most upper extremity tabletop radiographic examinations?

Answer: 40 inches (102 cm)

A 40-inch (102 cm) SID is standard for tabletop upper extremity radiography, balancing magnification and dose.