Positioning aid solves the reproducibility problem during oblique hand radiography: a cheap and effective solution.
OBJECTIVE
A commercially available positioning device was evaluated to assess whether standardized positioning of hand radiographs for the pronated oblique view was facilitated.


METHODS
One hundred hands of volunteers were radiographed in postero-anterior, anteroposterior and pronated oblique projections, with and without use of the positioning device, and with and without application of a plaster cast.


RESULTS
The variation in pronation angle in the uncovered hand was 6 degrees with, and 24 degrees without the positioning device. Use of the device diminished intra- and inter-positioning variation by 14 degrees and 18 degrees respectively. A plaster cast led to a variation of up to 26 degrees, despite use of the device.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the positioning device improved consistency for the pronated oblique radiograph. There was no improvement with a cast on the forearm.
Braakman
M
M
Orthopedic Department, Maasland Ziekenhuis Sittard, The Netherlands.
D000328:Adult; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D011859:Radiography / Q000295:instrumentation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results