[The hand as an indicator for the diagnostic orientation in various systemic diseases involving the bones]

Radiological aspects of the hand are presented and discussed in connection with some of the more common systemic diseases involving the bones, in which the hand is an ideal diagnostic indicator. Suitable X-ray techniques and xeroradiography are used to identify alterations to the periostium, the bone cortex and marrow and the soft tissues. The different diseases were classified according to the part of the hand involved: a) distal extremities; b) proximal phalanges and metacarpals; c) entire hand; d) wrist area.