Aldridge - Head and Neck Radiography Flashcards
Benefits of Cervical Radiograph
Cheap, shows bones well, utilized as quick screening tool
What can an increase in the Atlantodental (Predental Space) indicate?
Possible fracture of odontoid process or disruption of the transverse ligament
MRI should be obtained
What two Soft Tissue areas should you measure in the cervical area on radiographs?
Retropharyngeal Space
Retrotracheal Space
Jefferson’s Fracture
Fracture of C1 inbolving both ant. post. arches
Self Decompressing, usually NOT associated with neurologic deficits
Confirm with CT
“Diving in pool head straight down”
Hangman’s Fracture
High velocity, hyperextension injury (car crash)
Fracture of pars of C2, bilaterally (most common)
Self decompressing, Usually not associated with neurologic defects
Flexion Teardrop Fracture
hyper flexion-compression
Spinal cord compression from vertebral body displacement can cause neurological deficits and or paralysis
“Diving in pool, chin to chest”
Orientation for CTs?
Patient Right is on Left side of the film
Normal, Non-enhanced CT scan of the head
White = bone, calcification, blood, or metallic foreign body
Black = Air, water (CSF), and fat
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Bleeding into subarachnoid space, intracranial aneurysm or head trauma
Frequently located around CIrcle of Willis
“Crab of Death”
Blood in cistern
Mass Effect
Any lesion which occupies space and may increase intracranial pressure and displace the soft tissue of the brain
Difference between suture/fracture?
Suture will have cortical outline around entire line, fracture will not
Epidural Hematoma
Associated with skull fracture, does not cross suture lines
Skull fracture
Subdural hematoma
Damage to bridging veins, crescent shaped
Can cross suture lines
Not associated w/skull fracture
A = Acute
B = Subacute
C = Chronic
L = Blood
R = Hydrocephalus
