Radiographic disease patterns at the carpus

Radiographic analysis of the wrist includes evaluation of general nonspecific alterations of the carpus, changes specific to one or several diseases, the location of the abnormalities, and the pattern of disease. Correlation with clinical history is extremely important. Some diseases, such as gout, are usually detectable clinically. Others, such as chondrocalcinosis or chronic infection, may have been unrecognized prior to the radiographic study. Special investigations are necessary in difficult cases.