The finger lateral view is a standard projection for radiographic assessment of the fingers; it is one of three views of the finger series. it is divided into:
lateral index and middle fingers
lateral of ring and little fingers
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Indications
The lateral projection is an ideal projection to assess the joint spaces for dislocations, arthropathic conditions and elucidate subtle avulsion fracture of the dorsal and volar aspects of the joint capsule.
Patient position
Lateral of the index and middle fingers
patient seated alongside the table
hand is pronated and then medially rotated further to keep the lateral aspect of the index finger in contact with cassette
index finger is in extension while the middle finger is slightly flexed at the metacarpophalangeal joint to avoid superimposition (only if imaging of this finger is required, otherwise it should be fully flexed, see Figure 1)
other fingers are fully flexed
Lateral of ring and little fingers
patient seated alongside the table
medial aspect of the extended little finger is kept in contact with cassette while ring finger is slightly flexed at metacarpophalangeal joint to avoid superimposition (only if ring finger requires imaging, otherwise it should be fully flexed, see Figure 2)
rest of the fingers are fully flexed
Technical factors
lateral projection
-
centering point
approximately over the proximal interphalangeal joint
-
collimation
anteroposterior to the skin margins
proximal to include the carpometacarpal joint
distal to the tips of the distal phalanges
-
orientation
portrait
-
detector size
18 cm x 24 cm
-
exposure
50-60 kVp
1-5 mAs
-
SID
100 cm
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grid
no
Image technical evaluation
There should be no foreshortening; all interphalangeal spaces are open and no obstruction by other digits over the digit of question.
Practical points
If the patient cannot maintain a lateral position as seen in Figures 1 and 2, a foam block can be used to wedge the injured finger away from the hand.
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