Positioning
Anatomy
Basic Information
Technical Factors
Pathology
100
This position places the lumbar spine with its natural lordotic curvature in such a way that the intervertebral disk spaces are nearer parallel to the divergent x-ray beams.
Prone position or PA projection
100
The term used to describe the normal anterior concavity of the lumbar spine.
Lordosis.
100
What SID minimum should be used on all lumbar spine projections?
40 in.
100
What one thing can help your lateral image from being under exposed?
Lead mat.
100
What is a "open" posterior vertebrae exposure of part of the spinal cord called.
Spina bifida.
200
In this projection, if positioned properly, the inferior articular process can be demonstrated in the form of the "scotty dog's" front feet.
AP Oblique Projection
200
Name the part that forms a bridge between the transverse processes, lateral masses, and spinous process.
Lamina.
200
What vertebra are at the level of the lower costal margin?
L2 and L3.
200
For the lateral L5-S1 position of the lumbar spine, what type of respiration is needed?
Suspend breathing.
200
What is a fracture through the vertebral body and posterior elements caused by hyperflexion called?
Chance fracture.
300
A patient in this position demonstrates the right/upside zygopophyseal joints of the lumbar spine.
LAO position.
300
This canal is formed anteriorly by the vertebral body, laterally by the pedicles, and posteriorly by the lamina.
The vertebral foramen.
300
Can gonadal shielding always be used on males and females for projections of the lumbar spine?
No.
300
For the AP axial L5-S1 projection of the lumbar spine, what type of angle and to what degree is needed for both male and female patients.
For males: 30 degrees cephalad For females: 35 degrees cephalad
300
Which pathology causes a defect in the pars interarticularis (looks like the "Scotty dog" is wearing a collar).
Spondylolysis.
400
To determine if rotation is present on a radiograph of this projection of the lumbar spine, the spinous processes and SI joints can be evaluated.
AP projection
400
The spinal cord tapers off to a point called the cornus medullaris in this lumbar vertebrae.
First lumbar vertebrae.
400
What vertebra are at the level of the iliac crest?
L4 and L5.
400
What type of filter could be used for spinal work?
Compensating filter.
400
This type of fracture rarely causes a neurologic deficit.
Compression fracture.
500
In this position, you will center the CR 1.5 inches (4cm) inferior to the iliac crest and 2 inches (5cm) posterior to ASIS.
Lateral L5-S1 position.
500
On the upper surface of each pedicle is a half moon shaped area called the:
Superior vertebral notch.
500
For a lateral projection of a patient with scoliosis, which side should be down?
The convexity side should be down.
500
If no support is used for a lateral lumbar, or for patients with broad hips, how much and in which direction should the tube be angled?
5-8 degrees caudal.
500
Vertebral column becoming fused, appearance of piece of bamboo (anterior longitudinal ligaments calcifying).
Ankylosing spondylitis.