What is an x-ray of the hand?
An x-ray of the hand is a medical image that uses x-ray beams to show the bone structure and tissue of the hand.
When is an x-ray of the hand taken?
This type of image is used whenever there is a suspicion of an injury, illness, or abnormality of the hand. After a fall onto the hand, or when there is pain, swelling, or limited movement, an x-ray can help find the cause. It is a standard examination when a break, known as a fracture, is suspected. For longer-lasting problems, such as those caused by wear and tear (arthritis), inflammation, or misalignment, an x-ray also provides important clues. Sometimes the image is used to check how well healing is progressing after an operation, or to assess bone growth in children.
How does the examination work?
Taking an x-ray of the hand is straightforward and usually only takes a few minutes. The hand is placed on a special plate whilst an x-ray machine takes images from different angles. Two views are often needed: one from above and one from the side. This allows all the bones and joints to be assessed more clearly. During the scan, the hand should be kept as still as possible so that the image comes out sharp and clear. The procedure does not cause any pain. The radiation exposure is very low, as modern machines use as little x-ray radiation as possible.
What does an x-ray of the hand show?
On the finished image, the bone structures are clearly visible. These include the finger bones, the metacarpal bones in the palm, and the carpal bones in the wrist. The joint spaces, where cartilage sits, can also be seen, though only as narrow dark lines, as cartilage itself does not show up directly on x-rays. Changes such as fractures, displacement, bone fragments, or misalignment can be spotted quickly. With certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, typical changes like narrowing of the joint spaces, bony outgrowths, or bone damage can be identified.
Common questions about x-raying the hand
Many people are unsure whether an x-ray is dangerous. The radiation dose is so low, however, that it does not pose any meaningful risk for adults. Special precautions apply for pregnant women, and in those cases it is carefully considered whether the examination is truly necessary. Some people wonder whether soft tissues such as tendons, muscles, or ligaments can be seen on the image. This is only possible to a very limited extent, as x-rays are absorbed mainly by bones. For a more detailed view of soft tissues, other methods such as ultrasound or MRI would be more suitable.
What happens after the scan?
After the x-ray, the image is assessed by a doctor. Depending on the findings, either a specific treatment follows, such as immobilising the hand in the case of a fracture, or further examinations are recommended if the cause of the symptoms is still not clear. Sometimes the x-ray shows that there is no serious injury, and reassurance can be given.
When is an x-ray of the hand especially important?
In children in particular, an x-ray of the hand can also be used to assess growth. This involves determining what is known as bone age, to find out how far the skeleton has developed. When certain conditions that affect bone growth are suspected, this examination also provides important information.
An x-ray of the hand is therefore a tried-and-tested, quick, and safe method for answering many questions about pain, injuries, or changes in the hand.
