ARRT Upper Extremity Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which method is used to image the AC joints with and without weights to assess ligament integrity?
- Alexander method
- Pearson method
- Rockwood method (Correct answer)
- Zanca method
Correct 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.
Question 2: For a PA projection of the hand, the central ray is directed to the:
- Third MCP joint (Correct answer)
- Third PIP joint
- Base of the third metacarpal
- Third DIP joint
Correct 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.
Question 3: A fracture of the hook of the hamate is best demonstrated by which special projection?
- Scaphoid view with ulnar deviation
- Carpal canal (Gaynor-Hart) view (Correct answer)
- Reverse oblique wrist view
- Lateral wrist in flexion
Correct 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.
Question 4: The Stecher method for the scaphoid positions the hand in ulnar deviation and angles the CR:
- Perpendicular
- 20° toward the elbow (proximally) (Correct answer)
- 20° toward the fingers (distally)
- 15° medially
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which projection of the shoulder requires the patient's arm abducted 90° with the elbow flexed and the CR directed through the axilla?
- Grashey method
- Transthoracic lateral
- Inferosuperior axial (Lawrence method) (Correct answer)
- Scapular Y
Correct 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.
Question 6: For a true AP (Grashey method) of the glenohumeral joint, the patient is rotated how many degrees toward the affected side?
- 10–15°
- 35–45° (Correct answer)
- 25–30°
- 50–60°
Correct answer: 35–45°
Rotating the patient 35–45° toward the affected shoulder opens the glenohumeral joint space en face for the Grashey projection.
Question 7: What SID is recommended for most upper extremity tabletop radiographic examinations?
- 40 inches (102 cm) (Correct answer)
- 48 inches (122 cm)
- 72 inches (183 cm)
- 30 inches (76 cm)
Correct answer: 40 inches (102 cm)
A 40-inch (102 cm) SID is standard for tabletop upper extremity radiography, balancing magnification and dose.
ARRT Upper Extremity Procedures 3
Which method is used to image the AC joints with and without weights to assess ligament integrity?