EXTENSION & FLEXSION HAND 

PATHOLOGY DOMNESTRATED :

The lateral in either extension or flexion is an alternative to the fan lateral for localization of foreign bodies of the hand and  fingers; it also demonstrates anterior or  posterior displaced fractures of the  metacarpals. The lateral in a natural flexed position may be less painful for  the patient

IR Size : 

24 /30

IR Position: 

Lengthwise / tabletop

Sheilding :

Shield radiosensitive tissues outside region of interest

Patient Position : 

Seat patient at end of table with elbow flexed  about 90° and hand and forearm resting on table

Part Position : 

Rotate hand and wrist, with thumb side up, into true lateral position, with second to fifth MCP joints centered to IR and CR. 

• Lateral in extension: Extend fingers and thumb, and support  

against a radiolucent support block. Ensure that all fingers and  metacarpals are superimposed directly for true lateral position. 

• Lateral in flexion: Flex fingers into a natural flexed position, with  

thumb lightly touching the first finger; maintain true lateral  position

CR : 

second to fifth MCP  joints

Collimation : 

Collimate to outer margins of hand  and wrist

Criteria : 

Anatomy Demonstrated: 

• Entire hand and wrist and about  2.5 cm (1 inch) of distal forearm are visible. 

• Thumb should  appear in slightly oblique position and free of superimposition  with joint spaces open. 

Position: 

• Long axis of the hand and the wrist is aligned  with long axis of the IR. 

• Hand and wrist should be in true  lateral position, as evidenced by the following: distal radius  and ulna are superimposed; metacarpals and phalanges are  superimposed.