Which projection corresponds to the palm facing toward the film?

Which projection corresponds to the palm facing toward the film?

• A. AP
• B. PA
• C. Posterolateral
• D. Antero-lateral

Answer: (B)

The main idea is understanding how the projection name relates to how the hand is positioned relative to the film. When the palm is placed flat against the imaging plate, the X-ray beam travels from the back of the hand toward the palm, exiting through the palm onto the film. This setup is described as a PA projection (posterior-to-anterior orientation). Using PA minimizes magnification and distortion because the bones are closer to the film, giving a trueer view of the hand’s bony relationships. If the palm were away from the film, the projection would be AP, with the beam entering from the palm side and exiting the dorsum, which increases magnification. The other labeled views describe lateral or oblique positions that rotate the hand to the side rather than placing the palm directly against the film, so they don’t match the palm-to-film orientation. Therefore, the correct projection is PA.

The main idea is understanding how the projection name relates to how the hand is positioned relative to the film. When the palm is placed flat against the imaging plate, the X-ray beam travels from the back of the hand toward the palm, exiting through the palm onto the film. This setup is described as a PA projection (posterior-to-anterior orientation). Using PA minimizes magnification and distortion because the bones are closer to the film, giving a trueer view of the hand’s bony relationships.

If the palm were away from the film, the projection would be AP, with the beam entering from the palm side and exiting the dorsum, which increases magnification. The other labeled views describe lateral or oblique positions that rotate the hand to the side rather than placing the palm directly against the film, so they don’t match the palm-to-film orientation. Therefore, the correct projection is PA.