Wrist PA Oblique

• Distal radius and ulna.
• Radiocarpal joint space.
• Carpal bones: scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, trapezium, trapezoid.
• Proximal metacarpals.

• Verify patient identity using two identifiers.
• Remove watches, bracelets, and radiopaque items from the wrist.
• Seat the patient at the end of the table.
• Place forearm on table. Rotate wrist 45 degrees.
• Raise the ulnar side slightly. Curl fingers to relax tissues.

Midcarpal area, rotated 45 degrees.

Perpendicular to the midcarpal area.

kVp

60–70

mAs

3–5

SID

40" (102 cm)

Notes

Tabletop technique. Ulnar side raised 45 degrees.

• Wrist shown in 45-degree oblique with minimal overlap.
• Radius, ulna, carpals, and proximal metacarpals included.
• Carpal joint spaces open and clearly visible.
• Bone trabeculae and soft tissue sharp, no motion blur.
• Collimation: 2.5 inches distal and proximal to wrist joint.

1. 1 Wrist rotated less than 45 degrees minimizes the oblique.
2. 2 Hand pronated or supinated changes the oblique angle.
3. 3 Fingers extended or flexed too much alters soft tissue.
4. 4 CR off-centered clips carpal or metacarpal anatomy.

• Wrist trauma when PA view is incomplete or unclear.
• Suspected wrist joint arthritis or degenerative changes.
• Evaluation of wrist soft tissue injury or swelling.
• Post-operative follow-up with hardware assessment.