What change in technical factors is required when a wrist in a fiberglass cast must be radiographed?

When radiographing a wrist that is encased in a fiberglass cast, no change in technical factors is generally required because fiberglass does not significantly attenuate or absorb X-rays compared to air or soft tissue. Fiberglass casts are designed to be radiolucent, meaning they allow X-ray penetration without necessitating adjustments to the exposure settings.

In most cases, the standard techniques used for imaging the wrist will effectively penetrate the cast, yielding clear images of the underlying anatomical structures. Consequently, maintaining the usual exposure parameters ensures the quality of the radiograph without risking overexposure or underexposure, which can occur if adjustments are made unnecessarily.

While certain materials, like plaster casts, may absorb more X-rays and require adjustments, the properties of fiberglass mean technicians can proceed using standard settings for an accurate radiographic representation of the wrist underneath.