Read Any Ortho X-Ray in 5 Steps

List specific views you are reading (or number of views if unclear).
Example: “AP and lateral”

Specify the side (left or right) and the bone or precise anatomic region involved.
Example: “…of the left distal radius”

Select mature vs immature.
Example: “…in a skeletally immature individual”

Add key descriptors that are clinically significant—such as displacement, angulation, comminution, or joint involvement. Include modifiers (e.g., distance(mm),percent, degrees, direction) when applicable.
Example: “…a 20° dorsally angulated fracture”

Combine everything into a concise diagnostic term.
Example: “…a distal radius fracture”