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. The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures
that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such
as the bones, appear white on the X-ray image. Softer body
tissues, such as muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through
them and appear darker. 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, tendernes