Standard wrist X‑ray views include posteroanterior (PA), lateral and 45° oblique projections. A scaphoid (PA with ulnar deviation) view improves scaphoid fracture detection. Additional tailored views—radial/ulnar deviation, carpal‑tunnel (tangential), and clenched‑fist for scapholunate instability—may be used to assess bones, joint alignment, fractures, dislocations, and degenerative changes.

Wrist x‑rays are typically taken in the PA (posteroanterior) projection rather than AP. The patient places the palmar surface on the image receptor with the forearm pronated, which reduces magnification and improves visualization of carpal alignment. Standard wrist series usually include PA, lateral and oblique views; additional projections are used as indicated for suspected fractures or instability.

An AP (anteroposterior) X-ray view is taken with the X-ray beam entering the front (anterior) of the body and exiting through the back (posterior) onto a detector behind the patient. It’s used when patients cannot stand (supine or seated). AP films can magnify the heart and mediastinum compared with PA views and are used for chest, abdomen, and trauma assessments.

For standard wrist X‑rays: PA view—forearm pronated, palm flat on the detector, elbow at 90°, fingers gently flexed to bring the wrist flush. Lateral view—ulnar side on the detector, elbow flexed 90°, wrist neutral with thumb pointing upward. Oblique view—wrist rotated about 45°. Center the beam over the wrist joint (distal radius/ulna and carpal bones).

AP (anteroposterior) view: X‑ray beam passes front-to-back with the detector behind the patient. It’s often used when patients can’t stand and can magnify cardiac/mediastinal structures. LAT (lateral) view: beam passes side-to-side to produce a profile image, separating anterior/posterior structures, clarifying depth and alignment, and helping localize lesions seen on the AP view.

A wrist X‑ray can reveal fractures and hairline breaks, dislocations, bone alignment and joint congruity, degenerative changes or arthritis (joint space narrowing, bone spurs), signs of infection or bone lesions, healing progress after injury, growth plate injuries in children, and foreign bodies or calcifications. It cannot reliably show soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or early bone marrow abnormalities.