CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What lateral projection of the hand should be used to demonstrate a foreign body?

1. Fan lateral

2. Lateral in extension

3. Flexed lateral

4. Oblique view

The correct answer is: Lateral in extension

The correct choice for demonstrating a foreign body in the hand is the lateral in extension projection. This positioning allows for a clear visual of the bones and soft tissues in the hand, which is crucial when assessing for foreign bodies. In the lateral in extension view, the hand is fully extended, providing an optimal profile of the phalanges, metacarpals, and any potential radiopaque foreign materials that may be present. This projection minimizes overlap of the structures, making it easier to identify foreign objects that may be lodged in the tissue or within the bony structures. Moreover, this technique helps radiologists and technologists observe any changes or disruptions in normal anatomy due to the presence of foreign bodies, which can be critical for further diagnosis and treatment. While the fan lateral is useful for separating the phalanges, it does not provide a comprehensive view of the hand's lateral structures as effectively as the lateral in extension, potentially missing foreign objects located deeper within the anatomy. Similarly, a flexed lateral view may distort some relationships between structures and obscure details necessary for detecting foreign bodies. An oblique view generally does not provide the necessary lateral perspective required for the accurate assessment of foreign objects in the hand.