C-Spine Anatomy
Which vertebrae are considered atypical?
C1, C2 & C7
Which vertebrae are considered typical?
T3-T9
How is L5 different than the other vertebrae?
It's wedge-shaped to adapt for articulation with the sacrum
What should you do if C7 is not well visualized on the lateral?
Swimmer's
Why should the patient be instructed to flex the hips and knees when in the supine position?
It reduces the lumbar lordosis
The spinous processes are ______ tips
Double pointed or bifid
Where do the ribs articulate with the thoracic spine?
Costal facets
With reference to the midsagittal plane, how do the lumbar intervertebral foramina open?
90 degrees or lateral
With a patient positioned in an RAO, the intervertebral foramina best demonstrated are ... ?
Those on the patient's RIGHT side
How much of the vertebral column should be seen on both AP and lateral images?
T12-L5/S1
What makes the atlas different from the other vertebrae?
It is a ringlike structure with no body
With reference to the midsagittal plane, how do zygapophyseal articulations open?
70 degrees anteriorly
What articulates with both the vertebral column and both ilia?
Sacrum
The AP axial projection for C-spine will demonstrate which vertebrae?
C3-T2
What is the significance of seeing the Scottie dog on an image?
It has a long, prominent spinous process that is almost horizontal
What type of curvature is seen?
Kyphotic curve
What is spondylolisthesis?
Anterior displacement of one vertebrae over another - which one is it ususally?
If the AP image does not adequately demonstrate all 12 thoracic vertebrae - what should you do?
Take 2 images - one upper and one lower
What two methods are used to radiograph patients with scoliosis?
Frank and Ferguson
Where does the odontoid sit? (2 answers)
Within C1 between the anterior arch & the transverse atlantal ligament
What is abnormal lateral curvature called?
Scoliosis
What will a Scotty dog show you?
How you determine if the thoracic spine is rotated?
Ribs are not superimposed
What landmark should you use for positioning the sacrum and coccyx?
ASIS