The thumb series is comprised of a posteroanterior, oblique, and lateral projection. The posteroanterior projection is interchangeably performed anterioposter or posteroanterior depending on mobility. It examines in detail the first metacarpal and its articulations. Thumbs have a vital impact in our day to day lives, often injuries of the thumb can have life-changing consequences if they are serious enough ².

See fractures of the thumb for more information.

Indications

Thumb x-rays are indicated for a variety of settings including:

suspected metacarpal dislocation
foreign body detection and localization
investigation of joint pain or deformity
mechanism-specific injuries such as skier's thumb

Projections

Standard projections

AP/PA view
- demonstrates the first metacarpal in the natural anatomical position
- excellent view to inspect shafts of the metacarpal
- excellent view to evaluate any avulsions at the ulnar corner of the base of the proximal phalanx (see figure 4)
oblique view
- external oblique projection of the thumb
lateral view
- orthogonal view of the AP/PA view
- essential view to examine joint spaces