Wrist Ligaments and Anatomy Quiz

Wrist Ligaments

• The ligament that extends from the styloid process of the radius to the lateral aspect of the scaphoid and trapezium bones is not specified.

Hand and Wrist Positions

• The two special turning or bending positions of the hand and wrist are medial and lateral rotations, which demonstrate medial and lateral aspects of the carpal region.
• Lateral rotation is most commonly performed to detect a fracture of the scaphoid bone.

Forearm Radiography

• If pronated for a PA projection, the forearm appears radiographically.

Fat Stripes around the Wrist Joint

• The two important fat stripes or bands around the wrist joint are not specified.

Fat Pads around the Elbow Joint

• The fat pads around the elbow joint are valuable diagnostic indicators if the following three technical/positioning requirements are met with the lateral position:
  • Not specified

Posterior Fat Pad of the Elbow

• If the posterior fat pad of the elbow is not visible radiographically, it suggests that a non-obvious radial head or neck fracture is not present.

PA Oblique Projection of the Second Digit

• For a PA oblique projection of the second digit, the CR is centered at the PIP joint.

Digit Positions

• It is important to keep the affected digit parallel to the IR for the PA oblique and lateral projections to prevent distortion.

Thumb Projections

• The AP projection of the thumb is recommended instead of the PA projection.
• The PA projection of the thumb is achieved naturally by placing the palmar surface of the hand in contact with the IR.
• A thumb projection requires a small size.

Sesamoid Bone

• A sesamoid bone is frequently found adjacent to the MCP joint of the thumb.

Scaphoid Fat Pad

• The best routine projection to demonstrate the scaphoid fat pad is not specified.

Pronator Fat Stripe

• The best routine projection to demonstrate the pronator fat stripe is not specified.

PA Projection of the Digits

• The two radiographic criteria used to determine whether rotation is present on the PA projection of the digits are:
  • Not specified

PA Oblique Projection of the Second Digit

• A positioning modification to reduce distortion with a PA Oblique projection involves rotating the hand medially.

Technical Factors

• The technical factor most commonly used for upper limb radiography to visualize soft tissue and trabecular markings of all bones is low kV.

Collimation

• The general rule for collimation for upper limb radiography is to collimate to the area of interest.

Radiographic Procedure

• A radiographic procedure that uses contrast media injected into the joint capsule to visualize soft tissue pathology of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints is arthrography.

Hand Radiography

• The radiographic view used for the second through fifth digits of the hand is the PA oblique projection.

Patient Preparation

• For upper limb studies performed on patients who are of childbearing age, a pregnancy declaration is required.

Guardians of Pediatric Patients

• True: Guardians of young pediatric patients who are having upper limb studies can be asked to hold their child during the radiographic study.

Lead Shielding

• False: Lead (protective) shielding is required for all upper limb studies, regardless of patient age.

Figure Labels

• Figs 4.8 and 4.9 label the wrist joint and surrounding bones.
• Figs 4.10 and 4.11 label the elbow joint and surrounding bones.

Test your knowledge of the ligaments and anatomy of the wrist joint with this true/false and identification quiz. Learn about the ulnar, radial collateral ligaments, dorsal radiocarpal, palmar radiocarpal, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), scapulolunate, lunotriquetral ligaments, and more.