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What It Is

A finger X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of one or more fingers. During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the finger or fingers, and an image is recorded on a computer or special X-ray film. This image shows the soft tissues and bones.

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as the bones, appear white. Softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker.

An X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital or a health care provider's office takes the X-rays. Three different pictures are usually taken of the fingers: one from the back of the hand, with the palm facing down (posteroanterior view, or PA), one from the side (lateral view) and one at an angle (oblique view).

Why It's Done

A finger X-ray can help find the cause of common signs and symptoms such as pain, tenderness, or swelling, or a deformity. It can detect broken bones or dislocated joints. After a broken bone has been set, an X-ray can help determine whether the bones are in proper alignment and whether they have healed properly.

If surgery on a finger is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the procedure and to assess the results of the operation. Also, an X-ray can help to detect cysts, tumors, or other diseases in the bones, such as late stages of infections.

Preparation

A finger X-ray doesn't require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the image.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Procedure

This is a quick test. Although it may take 10 minutes or longer, actual exposure to radiation is usually less than a second.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room where X-rays are done, which will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling. Parents are usually able to come into the room with their child to provide reassurance. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you'll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child's reproductive organs will also be protected with a lead shield.

The technician will seat your child and position your child's hand on the table, and then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. The technician will return to reposition the hand for each of the different X-ray views. Occasionally doctors request an X-ray of the opposite hand for comparison.

Older kids will be asked to stay still for a couple of seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping their hands still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

What to Expect

Your child won't feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool, due to the air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

The positions required for the X-rays may feel uncomfortable, but they only need to be held for a few seconds. If your child has an injury and can't stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that's easier on your child. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they're restrained, but this won't interfere with the procedure.

After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processed. If they're blurred or unclear, the X-ray may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

A radiologist, a doctor specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images, will look at your child's X-rays and send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.

In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can't be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

Risks

In general, X-rays are safe. Although there's some risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount of radiation used in a finger X-ray isn't considered dangerous. It's important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your young child prepare for a finger X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture. You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and reassure your child that you'll be right there for support.

For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of keeping still while the X-ray is taken so it won't have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about the X-ray, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the technician before the procedure.