A lateral wrist X‑ray is a side-view radiograph that shows the alignment of the distal radius and ulna, the carpal bones and their relationships, and the radiocarpal and intercarpal joint spaces. It helps detect fractures (distal radius, scaphoid, lunate), dislocations or subluxations, joint degeneration, bone loss, and soft-tissue swelling, and is used in acute trauma, chronic pain, and arthritis evaluation.

A lateral X-ray is a side-view radiograph taken with the X-ray beam passing from one side of the body to the other, producing a profile image. It separates overlapping structures seen on frontal films, shows depth and alignment, and helps evaluate fractures, joint spaces, lungs, spine, or soft tissues. Often used alongside AP/PA views for accurate localization and diagnostic confirmation.

Seat the patient with the elbow flexed 90° and the forearm resting on the detector in neutral rotation. Place the ulnar side of the wrist down with the hand in a true lateral (thumb up) so metacarpals and distal radius/ulna are superimposed. Center the beam perpendicular to the midcarpal region, include distal forearm to metacarpals, use tight collimation, and instruct the patient to hold still.

Wrist X‑ray routine views are PA (posteroanterior) to assess carpal alignment and joint spaces; true lateral to evaluate dorsal/volar displacement; 45° oblique to visualize the radial styloid and midcarpal bones; dedicated scaphoid (PA with ulnar deviation) to detect scaphoid fractures; clenched‑fist or stress views for scapholunate instability; and occasional carpal‑tunnel (tangential) view for specific bony detail.

A lateral X‑ray is a side view of the body, not inherently left or right. It becomes a left or right lateral depending on which side is placed against the image receptor: left lateral means the patient’s left side is nearest the detector; right lateral means the right side is nearest. Radiographic markers should indicate which side was imaged. Lateral views clarify front‑to‑back relationships.

A wrist X‑ray can detect many types of arthritis by showing joint space narrowing, bone erosions, bone spurs and alignment changes, so it’s useful for established osteoarthritis or advanced inflammatory arthritis. However, early inflammatory or cartilage-only changes may be missed; MRI or ultrasound and blood tests are often needed to detect early disease or inflammation and to confirm the diagnosis.