non-angled AP radiograph of C1 and C2.specialized projections of the cervical spine often requested to assess for spinal stability.modified lateral projection of the cervical spine to visualize the C7/T1 junction.The x-ray should be repeated, perhaps using special views such as the. Fractures or subluxation at these locations would be missed. B, The image is inadequate because C1 and T1 are not seen fully. Ultimately, the X-ray should be taking an image of the entire spine all at the same time. A, An adequate lateral cervical spine x-ray, showing the entire cervical spine and its cephalad border (the skull base) and caudad border (T1). Thirdly, the patient should be standing, with arms relaxed, and no shoes on. demonstrated the intervertebral foramina of the side positioned closer to the image receptor Secondarily, scoliosis X-rays should include the entire spine, meaning from the neck to the pelvis this is necessary for getting the most accurate images of the spine.demonstrates the intervertebral foramina of the side positioned further from the image receptor.also known as a 'peg' projection it demonstrates the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis).anterior-posterior relationship of the vertebral bodies.soft tissue structures around the c spine.anteroposterior projection of the cervical spine demonstrating the vertebral bodies and intervertebral spaces.Note: in the absence of CT 5 views of the C-spine should be performed: AP, lateral, obliques and odontoid 5. IndicationsĬervical spine radiographs are indicated for a variety of settings including 1-3:Ī decision to pursue C-spine imaging of any kind should be cross-referenced with the 'Canadian C-Spine Rule' for C-spine imaging due to its high sensitivity and specificity 4. CS-DS-LSS X-Ray by Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eid Ali Cervical spine TI by Jin XU Basic ER by Taimur Normal Radiographs by Osamah A. transverse foramina protecting the vertebral arteries and veinsĪ more detailed description can be found in the article on typical cervical vertebrae.The cervical spine series is a set of radiographs taken to investigate the bony structures of the cervical spine, albeit commonly replaced by the CT, the cervical spine series is an essential trauma radiograph for all radiographers to understand.relatively long, bifid (except for C7) inferiorly pointing spinous processes.Some differences apply to each area, most notably the specific anatomical features and the surrounding soft tissue planes. laterally to include the entire cervical spine. relatively wide vertebral arch with large vertebral foramen Thoraco-lumbar spine radiographs are interpreted in much the same way as those of the cervical spine: Adequacy/Alignment. the central ray is midline centered at the level of C4 to enter immediately below the hyoid bone.Gross anatomyĪlthough C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) have unique characteristics and C7 (also termed vertebra prominens) deviates from the overall pattern, general characteristics of the cervical vertebrae include: The body of C2 should have a visible ring on the lateral view the Harris ring 5.
![normal cervical spine x rays normal cervical spine x rays](https://emj.bmj.com/content/emermed/22/12/907/F1.large.jpg)
Pre-vertebral soft tissue swelling is also described. It is more pronounced in flexion and is of clinical significance as it can be. It is common in children <7 years, and less often present in older children. Pseudosubluxation of the cervical spine is the physiological anterior displacement of C2 on C3 in children. Typical fracture patterns include Jefferson fracture, hangman fracture, extension teardrop, flexion teardrop, perched facet joints, and clay shovelers fracture. Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data. Fractures of C1 - atlas, C2 axis, C-spine vertebral bodies and fracture dislocations are discussed. It also provides a pathway for the vertebral arteries and veins to carry blood to and from the brain via the transverse foramina.įor a basic description of the anatomy of a generic vertebra, see vertebrae. Learn about cervical spine fractures as seen on X-ray.
![normal cervical spine x rays normal cervical spine x rays](https://web.stanford.edu/dept/radiology/radiologysite/images/Med%20students%2019,%20spine/Cervical%20spine,%20normal%20(5).png)
Its main function is to support the skull and maintain the relative positions of the brain and spinal cord. Standard radiographic view of anatomical structures of the spinal column. The cervical spine (often shortened to C-spine) is the upper part of the spine extending from the skull base to the thorax at the level of the first vertebra with a rib attached to it.