Position: Hand PA The PA hand projection provides a natural position for evaluating bones and joints. Fingers are extended and separated to avoid overlap. This projection assesses fractures, arthritis, and soft tissue abnormalities. Proper positioning ensures accurate joint space visualization. It is a foundational ARRT competency for extremity imaging.
Position: Hand Oblique The oblique hand projection rotates the hand 45 degrees to demonstrate metacarpals and phalanges without superimposition. A foam wedge may assist positioning. This view is essential for evaluating fractures and joint alignment. It complements the PA and lateral views. It is a standard ARRT requirement.
Position: Tibia Fibula AP The AP tib fib projection demonstrates the entire lower leg. Proper centering includes both knee and ankle joints. This projection evaluates fractures and alignment. It is a standard ARRT competency. It complements the lateral view.
Position: Hand Lateral The lateral hand projection demonstrates finger alignment and soft tissue structures. It is essential for evaluating foreign bodies and fractures. Fingers may be fanned or stacked depending on clinical need. Proper positioning prevents overlap of phalanges. It is a core ARRT competency.
Position: Tibia Fibula Lateral The lateral tib fib projection demonstrates the lower leg in profile. It evaluates fractures and soft tissue injuries. Proper positioning prevents rotation. This projection is essential for trauma imaging. It is frequently tested on ARRT exams.
Position: Wrist PA The PA wrist projection evaluates carpal bones and distal radius and ulna. Fingers are flexed to place the wrist in contact with the detector. This projection is essential for assessing fractures and joint spaces. Proper centering ensures accurate visualization of the carpals. It is a standard ARRT exam position.
Position: Ankle AP The AP ankle projection demonstrates the distal tibia, fibula, and talus. Proper dorsiflexion prevents foreshortening. This projection evaluates fractures and joint alignment. It is a core ARRT competency. It complements oblique and lateral views.
Position: Wrist Oblique The oblique wrist projection rotates the wrist 45 degrees to demonstrate the trapezium and scaphoid. It is commonly used for fracture evaluation. Foam wedges assist in maintaining proper angle. This projection complements PA and lateral views. It is frequently tested on ARRT exams.
Position: Ankle Mortise The mortise projection rotates the leg 15 to 20 degrees to open the ankle joint. This view evaluates ligament injuries and fractures. Proper rotation ensures equal joint space. It is a standard ARRT requirement. It is essential for ankle trauma imaging.
Position: Wrist Lateral The lateral wrist projection demonstrates the radius, ulna, and carpal alignment. It is essential for evaluating Colles and Smith fractures. Proper positioning ensures the radius and ulna are superimposed. This projection is critical for trauma assessment. It is a core ARRT competency.