FAN LATERAL HAND 

PATHOLOGY DOMNESTRATED :

Fractures and dislocations of the phalanges, anterior/posterior displaced fractures,  and dislocations of the metacarpals 

• Pathologic processes, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis especially in the  phalanges

IR Size : 

24/30

IR Position : 

Lengthwise / tabletop

Sheilding : 

Sintere sthield radiosensitive tissues outside region of 

Patient Position : 

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

Part Position : 

Align long axis of hand with long axis of IR. • Rotate hand and wrist into lateral position with thumb side up. 

• Spread fingers and thumb into a “fan” position, and support  

each digit on radiolucent block as shown. Ensure that all digits,  including the thumb, are separated and parallel to IR and that  the metacarpals are not rotated but remain in a true lateral  position

CR : 

Second MCP joint

Collimation : 

Collimate on four sides to hand and  wrist

Criteria : 

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

Position: 

• Long axis of hand and wrist should be aligned  with long axis of IR. 

• Fingers should appear equally  separated, with phalanges in the lateral position and joint  spaces open, indicating that fingers were parallel to  IR. 

• Thumb should appear in slightly oblique position  

completely free of superimposition, with joint spaces  open. 

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