Positioning aid solves the reproducibility problem during oblique hand radiography: a cheap and effective solution.

Abstract

A commercially available positioning device was evaluated to assess whether standardized positioning of hand radiographs for the pronated oblique view was facilitated. 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. 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. Use of the positioning device improved consistency for the pronated oblique radiograph. There was no improvement with a cast on the forearm.