Hand and Upper Limb X-ray Referrals
Hand & Upper Limb X-Rays
Not all healthcare professionals can order or interpret X-Rays. As an Advanced Practitioner and Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), I have received specialist training as a referrer under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R).
The primary goal of IR(ME)R is to prioritise safety and protect patients from the potential risks associated with exposure to ionising radiation.
X-rays use ionising radiation, which leads to specific restrictions on who can order or refer patients for X-ray imaging. It is of utmost importance that healthcare professionals referring patients for imaging not only comprehend the risks of radiation but also possess the necessary knowledge to include essential information in the referral. This information is crucial for the Radiology Department to efficiently process the referral and ensure appropriate justification and authorisation for the exposure to radiation.
Interpreting X-Rays
As an Extended Scope Practitioner, I have the authority to make clinical decisions regarding the need for shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand X-rays to guide your Hand Therapy treatment. Additionally, I possess specialist training and experience in interpreting radiographic imaging of the upper limb and hand.
Choosing a suitably qualified Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can help reduce additional costs, avoiding delays, ultimately getting you on the road to recovery sooner. X-rays can help in the aid of diagnosing and treating:
Broken Bones
Fractures of the shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist or hand.
Dislocations
Bones out of place at the shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand.
Ligament Injuries
Evidence of abnormal shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand joint spaces.
Infections
Bones infections such as osteomyelitis.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, septic arthritis and others.
Osteoporosis
A health condition that weakens bones making them more fragile.
Foreign Bodies
Radio-opaque objects such as glass or metal.
Bone Tumours
Osteochondroma, enchondroma, giant cell tumour and others.