PA FINGERS 2nd to 5th - Posteroanterior Finger Projection

Proyección PA de Dedos 2º al 5º - Vista completa

Exposure Factors

45-50

Kilovoltage (kV)

2-3

Milliampere-seconds (mAs)

Fine Focus

Focus Type

100 cm

Source-to-Image Distance (SID)

No Bucky

Configuration

Note: Adjust mAs according to the thickness of the specific finger to be evaluated.

Visible Anatomical Structures

The following should be clearly observed:

Distal, middle, and proximal phalanges of the studied finger.
Distal portion of the metacarpal corresponding to the finger.
Interphalangeal joints (distal and proximal) and metacarpophalangeal joint.
Surrounding soft tissues and tuft of the distal phalanx.

Plate Size and Orientation

18 × 24 cm

Divided into thirds

The plate is usually divided to include PA, Oblique, and Lateral views on the same receptor.

Patient Positioning

Patient seated at the end of the table.

Elbow flexed 90° with the hand and forearm resting on the table.

The studied finger is placed with the palmar surface flat on the image receptor.

Other fingers should be separated to avoid superimposition of soft tissues.

The finger must be parallel to the image receptor.

Central Ray Specifications

Perpendicular

Point of Entry: Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the studied finger.

Direction: Straight to the center of the collimated area.

Collimation: Must include from the distal phalanx to the distal third of the metacarpal.

Acceptable Image Criteria

No Rotation

Symmetrical concavity of phalanx shafts.

Open Joints

IP and MCP joint spaces clearly visible.

Sharpness

Clear bone trabeculae and soft tissue detail.

Alignment

Long axis of the finger aligned with the plate.

Recommended Work Protocol

Step 1: PA Finger projection (top third of the plate)

Step 2: Oblique Finger projection (middle third of the plate)

Step 3: Lateral Finger projection (bottom third of the plate)

Step 4: Evaluation of the three projections

Step 5: Repeat for each suspicious finger if necessary

Step 6: Comparison with contralateral finger

PA FINGERS (2nd-5th)