X-rays of fingers: indications, how they do

X-rays or X-rays of the fingers - obtaining a fixed black-and-white image of their bones and soft tissues - is a method of radiation diagnostics commonly used in clinical traumatology, orthopedics and surgery.

Indications for the procedure

In most cases, a simple X-ray is the main study in the diagnosis of finger injuries and pathologies of their joints, which allows you to accurately determine the sites of  fractures of the fingers  or toes and evaluate their morphology (for example, transverse, oblique, spiral, displaced, with fragments), and in case of dislocation - to identify any displacement, compression or deviation of the joints.

In addition, indications for finger radiography include diagnostics:

• joint inflammation (arthritis);
• inflammation of the periosteum -  periostitis ;
• inflammation of the joint capsule -  bursitis of the finger ;
• hallux valgus;
• deep (bone) felon of the hand or foot;
• local osteoporosis;
• bone and fibrous ankylosis;
• defects (abnormal growth) of bones and bone neoplasms.

In difficult cases, as well as when surgical intervention is necessary, they resort to more modern and informative methods - computed or magnetic resonance imaging.

Preparation

There is no need to prepare for X-rays of the fingers and toes, but the rings should be removed from the fingers before the procedure.

However, if it is impossible to do this, for example, due to severe swelling of the injured finger, the radiography is still done: the outline of the decoration will be visible on the X-ray, and the radiologist will make a corresponding mark on it. If at the time of the X-ray there is a fixation plaster cast on the limb, then the picture is taken through it.

For children, X-rays are taken with enhanced protection, covering certain parts of the body with a lead apron.

Technique of the x-ray of fingers

Usually an X-ray of the finger on the hand is done in projections:

• direct projection or anteroposterior image - an image from the back of the hand (the hand is placed on the X-ray cassette lying on the table with the palm down, fingers are held in an extended position);
• lateral projection - a side view (the brush is placed on the edge).

The thumb is examined in frontal projection, for which the hand is turned so that the dorsal side of the finger is flat on the X-ray plate. In a side view, the other fingers are pulled towards the elbow joint - for the most flat position of the thumb.

If it is necessary to confirm a fracture, a picture is taken in an oblique projection - at an angle, which provides a clearer image of the phalanges of the fingers and increases the accuracy of the diagnosis. To create tilt and support, the fingers in this position are placed on a stand with an angle of 45 °. [1]

Standard X-rays of the toes are taken in frontal, lateral and angled views. Direct projection requires laying the patient on his back, with the legs bent at the knees, and the feet are on the table surface. Lateral images of fingers and angles are performed in the same way as an  X-ray of the foot  - with the same patient positioning.

What does a fracture and dislocation of a finger look like on x-ray?

A finger fracture on X-ray looks like an uneven, lighter strip (line or gap) against the background of the bone, often with displacement of fragments or the angular position of fragments.

A dislocation of a finger on an X-ray shows a shift (displacement) of the surfaces of the metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint, that is, the departure of its head from the cavity - complete or partial. In the latter case, subluxation is diagnosed. [2]

See also - X -  rays for signs of bone and joint damage

Contraindications to the procedure

There are no absolute contraindications to the X-ray of the fingers, but it is better for pregnant women to replace this procedure with ultrasonography (ultrasound).

Care after the procedure

Radiation exposure during X-ray imaging, which lasts a few seconds at minimal doses, is considered safe. Therefore, there are no consequences of X-ray radiation and complications after the procedure.

Also, no care is needed after the procedure.