Thumb series
The thumb series is comprised of a posteroanterior and oblique, 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
-
- 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
Related Radiopaedia articles
Radiographic views
- radiographic positioning and terminology
- systematic radiographic technical evaluation
- chest radiography
- pediatric chest radiography
- abdominal radiography
- pediatric abdominal radiography
-
upper limb radiography
-
shoulder girdle radiography
- scapula series
-
shoulder series
- AP view
- internal rotation view
- external rotation view
- superoinferior axial view
- inferosuperior axial view
- modified trauma axial
- supine lateral
- modified supine lateral
- Y lateral view
- AP glenoid view
- apical oblique view (Garth view)
- humerus (neck) AP view
- humerus axial (bicipital groove) view (Fisk view)
- outlet view (Neer view)
- Stryker notch view
- acromioclavicular joint series
- clavicle series
- sternoclavicular joint series
- arm and forearm radiography
- wrist and hand radiography
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shoulder girdle radiography
-
lower limb radiography
- pelvic girdle radiography
- thigh and leg radiography
- ankle and foot radiography
- skull radiography
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paranasal sinus and facial bone radiography
- facial bones
- Caldwell view (angled skull PA view)
- nasal bones
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- orbits
- paranasal sinuses
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dental radiography
- orthopantomography (OPG)
- mandible
- temporomandibular joints
- spine radiography
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