Radiology explorations of the wrist and of the hand: what is the best modality?

The authors describe the indications for radiologic explorations in case of traumatic as well as non-traumatic conditions. In case of trauma of the wrist, the radiologic exploration looks for a frac ture, a dislocation or a ligament injury Initially, pos tero-anterior and l ateral views must be completed with an antero-posterior view, a scaphoid in cidence and an oblique view. This initial examination can be completed seco ndarily by specific views for the carpal bones, dynamic X-Rays, CT scan or arthro CT scan. In non-traumatic cases, radiologic explorations look for osteo-articular or soft tissue abnormalities specific oi a inflammatory or degenerative disea se. The initial incidence is a postero-anterior view of both hands. it can be completed secondarly by other explorations (other X-Rays, Ultra-sound, C T scan or MRI).