Anatomy
Where is the articular pillar located on a cervical vertebra?
Between the superior and inferior articular processes.
Now tell me what the laryngeal prominence is formed by.
The most prominent aspect of the thyroid cartilage corresponds to the vertebral level of:
C4-C5
A fracture of the pedicles of C2 due to hyperextension is termed a _____ fracture.
Hangman
Which of the following projections will best demonstrate the C4-5 zygapophyseal joints of the cervical spine?
Lateral
A radiograph of an AP open mouth projection reveals that the base of the skull is superimposed over the dens. What positioning error led to this radiographic outcome?
Excessive extension of the skull
The zygapophyseal joints of the vertebral column are classified as _____.
synovial gliding
Lovely. Which structure serves as a passage for both food and air?
1. Pharynx
2. Larynx
3. Trachea
4. Bronchus
What feature of the typical cervical vertebrae is unique and are not featured on thoracic or lumbar vertebrae?
Yes, it is the transverse foramina.
But what does it allow transmission of?
1. Vertebral vein
2. Vertebral artery
3. Transverse atlantal ligament
Which of the following is not a fracture type of the spinal column?
1. Jefferson
2. Hangman's
3. Barton
4. Compression
What is a Barton fx? Genuine question, please answer.
Which projection will project the dens within the shadow of the foramen magnum?
Fuchs method
A radiograph of an AP axial projection of the cervical spine reveals that the intervertebral joints are not open. The following analog factors were used for this projection: 5-degree cephalad angle, 40-inch (100-cm) SID, grid, slight extension of the skull, and the CR centered to the thyroid cartilage. Which of the following modifications should be made during the repeat exposure?
Increase the CR angulation
The atlantoaxial joint of the vertebral column is classified as a ...?
synovial pivot.
Great! Now tell me what best describes the natural curvature of the cervical spine?
What is the recommended SID for the lateral cervical spine AND AP axial oblique?
60 to 72 inches
Which of the following pathologic conditions is defined as a rupture or prolapse of the nucleus pulposus into the spinal canal?
1. Lordosis
2. Spina bifida
3. Herniated nucleus pulposus
4. Spondylolisthesis
3. Herniated nucleus pulposus
Which of the following positions will demonstrate the left intervertebral foramina of the cervical spine?
1. RPO
2. RAO
3. LAO
RPO and LAO
Nice! Now why is the PA oblique preferred over the AP?
A radiograph of a lateral projection of the cervical spine reveals that the ramus of the mandible is superimposed over the spine. What could the technologist have done to prevent this?
Extend the skull to elevate the chin
The atlantooccipital joint of the vertebral column is classified as
synovial ellipsoidal
How much is the body rotated for an AP axial oblique projection of the cervical intervertebral foramina?
45 degrees
Which of the following pathologic conditions can lead to decreased intervertebral joint space due to arthritis and inflammation?
Ankylosing spondylitis
A patient comes to radiology for a follow-up study of the cervical spine. The patient had spinal fusion between C5 and C6 performed 6 months earlier. His physician wants to assess the cervical spine for anteroposterior mobility. Which of the following projections would provide this assessment?
Hyperflexion and hyperextension lateral projections
A radiograph of an AP open mouth projection of the cervical spine reveals that the atlantoaxial joints are not symmetric. Which one of the following positioning errors most likely led to this radiographic outcome?
Rotation of the spine
Which of the following lines must be perpendicular to the IR for the AP “open mouth” atlas and axis?
Occlusal plane
Too easy. Tell me what the lid over the larynx that prevents aspiration is called.
What is the central-ray angle for the PA axial oblique projection of the cervical intervertebral foramina?
15 to 20 degrees caudad.
Then what is the angulation for an AP axial oblique?
A radiograph of a trauma lateral projection of the cervical spine reveals fractures of the anterior and posterior arch of C1. What pathologic condition does this most likely confirm?
Jefferson fracture
Which intervertebral foramina are demonstrated on an AP axial oblique projection of the cervical spine?
Those farthest from the IR
When the shoulder is immobile and cannot be depressed sufficiently for the cervicothoracic region lateral projection (swimmer’s technique), the central ray is angled
3 to 5 degrees caudad