Hand X-Ray

A Hand X-Ray uses an X-Ray beam that shines through the hand and projects an image onto a computer screen or film. Dense matter such as bones does not allow much of the beam through, so it appears white on the image. Soft tissues allow more beam through and appear grey or dark grey.

A broken bone or fracture is easily visible as a dark line on the white bone image, where the beam passes through the break. Other issues, such as a tumour, will appear as an abnormality that would not be present in a healthy hand. If something unusual is detected, further tests will usually be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

If you have pain or discomfort in your hand, your doctor will listen to your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. If they suspect the issue can be identified on an X-Ray, one will be ordered. Hand X-Rays are also commonly ordered following a physical injury or accident, and can be used to monitor the progress of an existing injury or condition.

You may be referred for a Hand X-Ray if you are experiencing: swelling or bruising in the fingers or hand; finger, hand, or wrist pain or discomfort; an injury affecting the hand; or if a degenerative condition such as arthritis is suspected.

Conditions a Hand X-Ray can help diagnose include: broken bones; fractures; tumours; degenerative conditions of the hand; arthritis; infections; bone spurs; dislocated joints; foreign body retrieval; and bone cancer.

A Hand X-Ray is a quick, non-invasive procedure requiring very little preparation. Metal items must not be worn during the scan, as they can block the image in the same way that dense bone does. Before your appointment, remove all metal objects such as rings, piercings, and bracelets. If you have an implanted metal device such as pins or plates from a previous injury, inform your technician before the scan begins.

On arrival, you will be taken into the X-Ray room. As the scan is focused on the hand, you may not need to change into a hospital gown — your technician will advise whether your clothing is suitable or whether a gown is needed.

The technician will ask you to position yourself appropriately for the scan. Depending on your injury or condition, this may involve lying on an X-Ray table or sitting in a chair with your arm positioned on a medical table. A lead mat will often be placed over the rest of your arm to block radiation from other areas.

The technician will then move to an adjoining room or behind a screen to take the images. It is important to remain completely still, as any movement can blur the results. Multiple positions may be required to capture all necessary angles. Once imaging is complete, the technician will check the images for any blurring before advising that you are free to leave, and informing you of when your results will be ready.

After the scan, you should feel completely normal and can continue with your day as usual. X-Rays are processed quickly — in many cases, your doctor can review and share the results the same day.

Quick results

X-Rays are fast, and in many cases results can be explained to you the same day.

Painless and non-invasive

The scan itself causes no discomfort and requires no invasive procedures.

Cost-effective

Hand X-Rays are relatively affordable compared to CT scans or MRI scans.

Effective diagnostic tool

Very effective at identifying a range of conditions, and particularly reliable for detecting fractures and broken bones.

X-Rays have very low radiation exposure. People are already exposed to small amounts of radiation in everyday life — in fact, the radiation exposure from a Hand X-Ray is equivalent to what an average person would naturally be exposed to over a 10-day period without having an X-Ray at all.

The X-Ray itself is completely painless — you should not feel anything during the scan. However, you may experience some discomfort from the way your hand needs to be positioned to capture the image. Any pain experienced will be from the underlying injury or condition, not from the X-Ray itself.

Hand X Rays are generally very quick. The imaging itself typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes, though this may be slightly longer if multiple positions are required to capture all necessary images.

Yes. If you have a valid referral, you can walk in for a standard hand xray at MBR Health without making an appointment.