Lateral Cervical Spine
Why are later and oblique projections done at 72" SID?
To reduce OID
What structures are best demonstrated in the lateral image of the cervical spine?
Cervical bodies and intervertebral disc spaces, articular pillars, and apophyseal joints and spinous process
What is the patient positioning for a trauma cross table image of the cervical spine?
Pt. supine
What is the proper patient positioning for a AP Open Mouth (Odontoid) Projection of the cervical spine?
Patient Supine or erect, Mouth open, Line from lower edge of upper incisors to tip of mastoid process are perpendicular to IR
What is seen through the open mouth in an AP Open Mouth projection of the cervical spine?
AP projection of the atlas and axis seen through the open mouth
What is the proper patient positioning for a lateral projection of the cervical spine?
Patient in true lateral position with chin slightly elevated
What must be demonstrated in a lateral image of the cervical spine?
All 7 cervical vertebrae
What is the CR direction and intersection for a trauma cross table projection of the cervical spine
CR Perpendicular to C4 (thyroid cartilage)
What is the CR direction and intersection for an AP Open Mouth (odontoid) projection of the cervical spine?
CR perpendicular to open mouth
What should be demonstrated in the AP Open Mouth Projection of the cervical spine?
The dens, atlas, axis, and joints between C1 and C2
What is the CR Intersection and Direction for the lateral projection of the cervical spine?
CR Perpendicular to C4 (Thyroid Cartilage)
If you cannot see all 7 cervical vertebrae on your lateral image of the cervical spine, what is recommended?
A separate image of the cervicothoracic vertebrae is recommended
What should the tech never do when preforming a trauma cross table projection of the cervical spine?
Never transfer the patient to the table and never rotate or turn the patients head
What instructions are given to the patient when performing an AP Open Mouth (Odontoid) projection of the cervical spine?
Patient softly phonates "ah" during exposure
In the AP Open Mouth (Odontoid) Projection of the cervical spine, what anatomy should be even with the base of the patients skull?
The lower edge of the upper incisors
What are the breathing Instructions for a lateral image of the cervical spine? Why?
Respiration suspended after exhalation to depress shoulders
In the lateral image of the cervical spine, what should not overlap C1 or C2
The mandibular Rami
If the patient is wearing a cervical collar while the tech is trying to preform a trauma cross table image of the cervical spine, what should the technologist do?
Leave the collar on the patient
What is the reasoning for having the patient say "Ah" during the exposure?
Fixes the tongue to the floor of the mouth
If the base if the skull (occipital bone) is superimposed over the odontoid process, what can the radiographer do to fix this?
Lower the patients chin for the repeat image
Why would lateral flexion and extension views of the cervical spine be ordered?
To evaluate mobility
Where should you see light to when you are positioning for a lateral Cervical spine?
Light to top of ear
Check with leading physician
What SID can be used for the AP Open Mouth (Odontoid) Projection of the cervical spine?
72" or 40" SID
Mandibular rami are equidistant from the dens