Thumb series (summary)

This is a basic article for medical students and other non-radiologists

A thumb series (or thumb x-ray) is usually performed in the Emergency Department or Orthopedic service following thumb trauma with suspected fracture or dislocation.

Reference article

This is a summary article. For more information, you can read a more in-depth reference article: thumb series.

Summary

  • indications
    • suspicion of bony injury
    • suspicion of dislocation
  • procedure
    • AP and lateral views of the thumb
    • only includes the thumb and its articular with trapezium
  • similar series
    • hand series
      • radiocarpal joint to tip of phalanges
    • wrist series
      • distal radius and ulna, carpals and proximal metacarpals
  • important pathology
Medical student radiology curriculum