Finding the right tests…
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
X-Ray
A wrist X-ray taken from the front and the side is the standard first check after a fall onto an outstretched hand, covering the eight small carpal bones along with the ends of the radius and ulna where they meet the wrist. These two views catch most distal radius fractures, the most common wrist break, but they can miss a scaphoid fracture, a small carpal bone near the base of the thumb, on the very first film. If pain sits in the small hollow at the base of your thumb, called snuffbox tenderness, your doctor may add a dedicated scaphoid view alongside this standard pair rather than relying on these two views alone.
The front view shows the carpal bones side by side and the alignment of the radius and ulna, while the side view shows how far forward or back the wrist has angulated. Together they catch most fractures and dislocations, though a suspected scaphoid injury may still need a dedicated view or a repeat film.
Two views make up the standard wrist study: a front view laying out all eight carpal bones plus the radius and ulna, and a side view that shows whether the wrist has tilted forward or backward, a detail the front view alone cannot capture.
Research on scaphoid fractures has found that up to a quarter are not visible on the very first set of X-rays, even when a real fracture is present. Because a missed scaphoid fracture carries a real risk of poor healing, doctors who suspect one, based on tenderness at the base of the thumb after a fall, often add a dedicated view or plan a splint and a repeat film in one to two weeks if the first images look normal.
Distal radius fractures, breaks near the end of the forearm bone closest to the wrist, are usually clear on this standard two-view study without needing extra imaging or a repeat visit.
It can, most notably a scaphoid fracture, where up to a quarter of cases are not visible on the first set of films. If your doctor still suspects a fracture despite a normal result, they may splint the wrist and repeat the X-ray later.
It is a break in a small carpal bone near the base of the thumb, often caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. It carries a real risk of poor healing if missed, which is why doctors treat suspected cases carefully even with a normal first X-ray.
If your doctor still suspects a scaphoid fracture based on your symptoms, they may splint the wrist and repeat the X-ray in one to two weeks, since some fractures only become visible once healing begins.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
A wrist X-ray centers on the eight carpal bones and the ends of the radius and ulna, while a hand X-ray focuses on the metacarpals and finger bones further down.
Only if your doctor has ongoing suspicion of a fracture, particularly a scaphoid fracture, that did not show up on the first film. Otherwise, a clear result on this study is usually enough.
Yes, metal jewelry near the wrist can appear on the image and get in the way of a clear picture. The technologist will tell you exactly what to remove.
Tell your doctor and the technologist beforehand. The CDC notes that x-rays of the arms do not expose an unborn baby to radiation, but your centre will still confirm timing with you.