A wrist X-ray is a scan that shows the small bones and joints in your wrist.
Your doctor may request it after a fall on an outstretched hand, pain, swelling, or reduced movement. It can help check for fractures, arthritis, and alignment problems.
About this scan
Common Indications for Wrist X-Ray
- Wrist pain after a fall
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness
- Suspected fracture, including scaphoid injury
- Difficulty moving or gripping
- Arthritis or long-term wrist pain
- Follow-up after a known fracture or surgery
What exactly does a wrist X-ray show?
It shows the lower ends of the forearm bones, the small wrist bones, and the bases of the hand bones. It can show fractures, joint spacing, dislocation, and some arthritis changes.
Do I need to stop taking medication?
No. Keep taking your regular medication unless your referring doctor tells you otherwise.
What happens when I arrive for my scan?
The radiographer will confirm which wrist is being scanned and ask where the pain is. If your wrist is splinted, the team will decide how best to position it.
Is there any discomfort?
No. The X-ray itself is painless. If your wrist is injured, turning or flattening it may hurt briefly.
Are there risks?
A wrist X-ray uses a small amount of radiation. No radiation stays in your body after the scan. The benefit of checking an injured wrist usually outweighs the small risk.
What if the scan finds something?
Your referring doctor will explain the result and the next step. This may be a splint, cast, pain medicine, hand clinic review, or another scan if the fracture is hard to see.
What can this X-ray miss?
Plain X-rays show bone and alignment well but may miss a small, non-displaced, stress, or early fracture. They also provide limited information about cartilage, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissues. Persistent focal pain, inability to use the limb, or worsening symptoms after a normal X-ray needs clinical reassessment; repeat X-rays, CT, MRI, or ultrasound may be appropriate.
Seek urgent care rather than waiting for a routine report if there is an open wound over a suspected fracture, severe deformity, rapidly increasing swelling, loss of feeling or movement, or a limb that becomes pale, blue, or cold.
Before your appointment
How should I prepare for a wrist X-ray?
You do not need to fast. Remove watches, bracelets, bangles, rings, or anything metal near the wrist. Tell the radiographer if swelling makes removal difficult.
During the scan
How is the procedure performed?
You will usually sit beside the X-ray table and place your hand and wrist on the detector. The radiographer may take front, side, angled, or special scaphoid views.
How long does a wrist X-ray take?
The scan usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It may take longer if extra views are needed.
After your scan and results
When will I get my results?
A radiologist will review the images and send a report to your referring doctor. Urgent injury results may be handled faster.
Safety and special situations
Can children have this scan?
Yes. Children can have a wrist X-ray when needed, especially after falls. The radiographer adjusts the technique for the child's size.
Can I have this scan if I am pregnant?
Sources and summary
Sources and further reading
Conclusion
A wrist X-ray is a fast way to check wrist injury, pain, and alignment. To make the visit smoother, remove wrist jewelry early if you can do so safely.