Forearm X-ray
Quick answer: A forearm X-ray shows the two long bones between the elbow and wrist (radius and ulna). Doctors usually order it after a fall or injury to the arm, or for pain or deformity of the forearm.
- SampleImaging (no sample)
- TakesAbout 5 to 10 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed, but remove metal items from the area and tell staff if you might be pregnant.
How the test is done
- 1You remove watches, bangles and rings
- 2You sit beside the table and lay the whole forearm on the plate, palm up
- 3For the side view you turn your arm so the thumb points upward
- 4Both the wrist and elbow are included so the full length of the bones is seen
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A radiologist reports on the images, and your doctor will explain what the findings mean for you.
If the result is outside the usual range
A forearm X-ray can show a fracture of one or both bones, a bend or buckle fracture in a child, or a joint that has slipped at the wrist or elbow end. It is also used to check that a fracture is healing in a good position.
Who usually has this test
People, often children, who have fallen on an outstretched arm, and those with a plaster cast whose healing is being checked.
Risks and aftercare
Keeping a broken arm still can be uncomfortable for a minute, but the X-ray is not felt; radiation is low, and tell staff if you might be pregnant.
Names and options
Also called: X-ray forearm, radius and ulna X-ray
Options
- Front view, both sides
- Front and side views (AP and lateral)
- Front and side views, both sides
Listed by the hospital as
- FOREARM AP (BOTH) DIGITAL X-RAY
- FOREARM AP, LAT DIGITAL X-RAY
- FOREARM AP, LAT (BOTH) DIGITAL X-RAY
Questions about this test
Why does a forearm X-ray include the wrist and elbow?
The two forearm bones work as a pair, so a break in one can come with a dislocation at the wrist or elbow. Including both joints makes sure nothing is missed.
What is a greenstick fracture?
It is a crack where the bone bends and breaks on one side only, seen in children because their bones are softer. It usually heals well with a cast.
Can I have a forearm X-ray with a plaster cast on?
Yes, X-rays pass through plaster and fibreglass, so the bone can be checked without removing the cast. The cast can make the picture slightly less sharp, which the radiologist allows for.
Related tests
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.