Upper Extremity Procedures Flashcards

On a correctly positioned lateral forearm radiograph, the distal radius and ulna should appear:

Answer: Superimposed at the distal radioulnar joint

A true lateral forearm shows slight superimposition of the distal radius and ulna at the distal radioulnar joint.

Which wrist projection best demonstrates the pisiform free of superimposition?

Answer: Medial oblique (pronation) projection

The medial (internal) oblique wrist projection rotates the wrist 45° medially to project the pisiform clear of the triquetrum.

For a PA projection of the clavicle, the CR is typically angled how many degrees cephalad?

Answer: 15–30°

A 15–30° cephalad angulation projects the clavicle above the ribs and lung apex for better visualization.

In a lateral projection of the elbow, the arm is flexed to:

Answer: 90°

The elbow is flexed 90° for the lateral projection so the olecranon process is profiled and the joint is fully open.

The Barton fracture of the wrist is defined as:

Answer: An intra-articular fracture of the dorsal or volar rim of the distal radius with carpal subluxation

A Barton fracture is an intra-articular shear fracture of the dorsal or volar rim of the distal radius associated with radiocarpal joint subluxation.

For the AP projection of the shoulder, the arm is placed in which position to demonstrate the greater tubercle in profile laterally?

Answer: External rotation

External rotation of the arm places the greater tubercle in full lateral profile for the AP shoulder projection.

Which method places the patient prone with the arm abducted 90° and the CR directed 25° medially to visualize the posterior glenoid rim?

Answer: West Point method

The West Point method is performed prone with 25° medial and 25° caudal CR angulation to profile the anterior-inferior glenoid rim for Bankart lesion detection.