What is carpal bridge view?

Carpal Bridge View
This view profiles dorsal surface fractures of the scaphoid, chip fractures of the dorsum of other carpal bones, and it demonstrates calcifications and foreign bodies in the dorsal soft tissues. On an adequate examination, there is tangential view of the dorsal aspect of the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum. The superimposed capitate should be visible.

Warning:
If patient has possible wrist trauma, do not attempt this position before routine wrist series has been completed and evaluated to rules out possible truama of distal forearm and/or wrist

Pathology Demonstrated:
Calcification or other pathology of the dorsal aspect of the carpal bones is shown.

Technical Factor:
IR size - 18 x 24 cm (8 x 10 inches)
Detail screen, tabletop
Digital IR - use lead masking
64 or add upto 6 kV range

Shielding:

Secure lead shield around waist to shield gonads.

Patient Position:
Have patient stand or sit at end of table and then lean over and place dorsal surface of hand, palm upward, on cassette.

Part Position:
Center dorsal aspect of carpals to IR.
Gently flex wrist as far as patient can tolerate, or until hand and forearm form as near 90degrees (right angle) as possible.

Central Ray:
Angle the CR 45degrees to the long axis of the forearm.
Direct CR to a midpoint of the distal forearm about 4cm (1 1/2 inches) proximal to the wrist joint.
Minimum SID is 40 inches (100cm)

Collimation:
Collimate all four sides to area of interest.
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Radiographic Criteria:

Structure Shown:
A tangential view of the dorsal aspect of the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum is visible.
An outline of the capitate and trapezium superimposed is visible.

Position:
Dorsal aspect of the carpal bones should be visualized clear of superimposition and centered to IR.

Collimation and CR:
Collimation should be visible on four sides of affected wrist
CR and center of the collimation should be to the area of dorsal carpal bones.

Exposure Criteria:
Optimal density and contrast with no motion should demonstrate the dorsal aspect of the carpal bones, with sharp borders and clear, sharp bony trabecular markings.
Outline of the proximal metacarpals should be visualized through superimposed structures without overexposure of the dorsal aspects of carpals seen in profile.