SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center
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X-Ray Exam: Forearm

What It Is

A forearm X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of a person's forearm (including the wrist, radius, ulna, and elbow). During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the arm, and an image is recorded on a computer or special X-ray film. This image shows the soft tissues and bones of the forearm.


X-rays are performed by an X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital, a radiology center, or a health care provider's office. Two pictures are usually taken of the forearm: one from the front (anteroposterior view, or AP) and one from the side (lateral view).

Why It's Done

A forearm X-ray can help find the causes of common signs and symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the forearm. It can detect broken bones, and after a broken bone has been set, can help determine whether the bones are in proper alignment and the break has healed properly.

If surgery of the forearm is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and to assess the results of the operation. Also, an X-ray can help to detect later stages of infection, as well as cysts, tumors, or other diseases in the bones of the forearm.



If your daughter is pregnant, it's important to tell the X-ray technician or her doctor. Forearm X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy because there's a small chance the radiation may harm the developing baby. But if the X-ray is necessary, precautions can be taken to protect the fetus.


This is a quick procedure. Although it may take about 15 minutes, actual exposure to radiation is only a few seconds.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling or wall. Parents are usually able to accompany their child to provide reassurance and support. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you will be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body from radiation.


The technician will seat your child and position your child's forearm on the table, and will then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Two X-rays are usually taken (from the front and side), so the technician will return to reposition the arm for each X-ray.



What to Expect





Getting the Results


In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly for review by a doctor. Otherwise, they're usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can't be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.


In general, X-rays are very safe. Although any exposure to radiation poses some risk to the body, the amount used in a forearm X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It's important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.


Helping Your Child

You can help your child prepare for a forearm X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.


If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the forearm X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

Reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date reviewed: August 2011