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Hand x-ray
X-ray - hand
This test is an x-ray of one or both hands.
x-ray
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray particles through the body. The im...
How the Test is Performed
A hand x-ray is taken in a hospital radiology department or your health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. You will be asked to place your hand on the x-ray table, and keep it very still as the picture is being taken. You may need to change the position of your hand, so more images can be taken.
How to Prepare for the Test
Tell the provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Remove all jewelry from your hand and wrist.
How the Test will Feel
Generally, there is little or no discomfort associated with x-rays.
Why the Test is Performed
Hand x-ray is used to detect fractures , tumors, foreign objects, or degenerative conditions of the hand. Hand x-rays may also be done to find out a child's "bone age." This can help determine if a health problem is preventing the child from growing properly or how much growth is left.
Fractures
If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures...
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may include:
- Fractures
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Bone tumors
Bone tumors
A bone tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within a bone. A bone tumor may be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Degenerative bone conditions
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Osteomyelitis
(inflammation of the bone caused by an infection)
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection. It is mainly caused by bacteria or other germs.
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Risks
There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays.
References
Chong AK, Tan DMK. Diagnostic imaging of the hand and wrist. In: Neligan PC, ed. Plastic Surgery . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 3.
Mailhot T, Lyn ET. Hand. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 50.
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Hand X ray - illustration
An x-ray is a photo taken with a machine which passes electromagnetic radiation through the body, capturing an image of the internal structures.
Hand X ray
illustration
Review Date: 9/22/2016
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
