Position the patient seated with the affected hand on the detector. Place the thumb in a true lateral: rest its medial (ulnar) aspect on the image receptor so phalanges and MCP/IP joints are superimposed. Center the x‑ray beam perpendicular to the MCP joint, include distal phalanx through the CMC joint, use a sponge for support, immobilize, place a marker, and select appropriate exposure settings.

Standard X‑ray views of the thumb are anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and a 45° oblique—these demonstrate the phalanges, metacarpal, MCP and CMC joints. Additional focused views include Robert’s or Bett’s (modified) views for the thumb base/trapeziometacarpal articulation, and valgus/varus stress films when ligamentous injury or instability is suspected. These assess fractures, dislocations, and joint degeneration.

The lateral view of a hand X‑ray is a side‑profile projection with the fingers aligned and superimposed so metacarpals and phalanges appear in profile. It’s used to detect fracture displacement, dorsal/volar angulation, dislocations, joint alignment, foreign bodies and soft‑tissue swelling. Proper true lateral positioning minimizes overlap and improves assessment of bone alignment and subtle anterior/posterior displacement.

The lateral view in an X-ray is a side‑on projection where X‑rays pass from one side of the body to the other, producing an image in the sagittal plane. It separates overlapping structures, assesses depth and anterior–posterior relationships, and helps detect fluid levels, fractures, or lesions. Commonly used for chest, spine, skull and joint imaging; patient position is left or right lateral.

A lateral X‑ray is a side‑view radiograph and can be either left or right. The projection is named for the side closest to the image receptor (e.g., left lateral means the patient's left side is against the detector). For chest films, a left lateral is commonly used to reduce heart magnification. If a report just says “lateral,” ask which side was performed.

In the standard anatomical position (standing upright with palms facing forward), the thumb is lateral — it lies on the radial, or outer, side of the hand and is farthest from the body's midline. "Lateral" is a relative directional term, so if the hand is rotated the thumb’s relationship may appear different; anatomically, however, the thumb is the most lateral digit.