RadSetu

X-ray Positioning

PA hand

Radiographic projections, patient positioning and X-ray references.

Method & scope

Patient position

  • Seated at the end of the table, elbow flexed about 90°, forearm resting on the table.
  • Hand pronated, palm flat on the IR, fingers slightly spread and straight.
  • Long axis of the hand and forearm aligned with the IR; the wrist included.

Centering

3rd metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint.

Central ray

Perpendicular to the IR.

Source-to-image distance

100 cm (40″).

Image evaluation

  • No rotation: equal concavity of the metacarpal and phalangeal shafts, soft tissue symmetrical
  • Fingers separated, joints open
  • Whole hand and the distal forearm included