[Imaging 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 fracture, a dislocation or a ligament injury. Initially, postero-antérior and lateral views must be completed with an antero-posterior view, a scaphoid incidence and an oblique view. This initial examination can be completed secondarily 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 of a inflammatory or degenerative disease. The initial incidence is a postero-anterior view of both hands. It can be completed secondarly by other explorations (other X-Rays, Ultra-sound, CT scan or MRI).