Anatomy and Procedures of the Thoracic Spine Flashcards
How many vertebrae are in the thoracic spine?
12
What occupies the posterior thorax?
Thoracic vertebrae
What are the unique features of thoracic vertebrae?
- Costal facets on posterior, lateral sides of bodies for articulation with head of ribs
- Facets on transverse processes for articulation with tubercle of ribs (except for T11 and T12)
What is the main difference between thoracic vertebrae compared to any other vertebrae?
the ribs articulate with the thoracic spine
What is seen on the obliques of T-spine?
Zyapophyseal joints on 70 degrees obliques
What is seen on the lateral projection of the thoracic spine?
Intervertebral Foramen
at 90 degrees
What are the essential projections of T-spine?
- AP
- Lateral
What is the patient position for AP T-spine?
- Supine or Upright
- Shoulders in same horizontal plane
- Arms by side
What is the SID used for AP T-spine?
40 inches or 100 cm
If the patient is supine for AP T- spine what do you do to reduce kyphosis?
flexing hips and knees to place thighs vertical
Where do we center for AP T-spine?
center to T7
If patient is upright for AP T-spine what should you make sure?
weight should be equally distributed on both feet
Part position for AP Tspine
MSP in center
Where should IR be placed for AP T-spine?
IR placed 1 1/2 to 2 inches above shoulders to place T7 in center
What is the CR for AP T-spine?
Perpendicular to IR, enters patient midway between jugular notch and xiphoid process
- centering at T7
What is the breathing for AP T-spine? what is being demonstrated
expiration to blur out lung markings
- T1 through T12
Where is the anode heel affect prominently known in?
T- spine (AP)
Where is the cathode by in the T-spine?
Abdomen
(feet)
FAT CAT
What is demonstrated by the lateral projection of T-spine?
Intervertebral foramina
demonstrated on lateral projection
What is shown on the obliques projection of T-spine?
Zygapophyseal joints 70 degree oblique
What is the patient position for lateral T-spine?
- Recumbent or upright
Why is a left lateral preferred?
Left lateral minimizes heart magnification and overlapping of heart on spine
What is the part position for lateral T-spine?
If recumbent, flex hips and knees for comfort
Superimpose hips and knees for true lateral position
Long axis of vertebral column aligned horizontal
Firm support for head and lower portion, if needed
Adjust arms to right angle from body
What is the SID for lateral T-spine?
40 inches
What is the CR for lateral T-spine?
Perpendicular to IR T7 if spine is horizontal
- enters patient at T7 (inferior angles of scapula)
If spine is not horizontal for lateral T-spine what can you do?
angle 10 to 15 degrees cephalic
what is the breathing for lateral T-spine?
3 to 5 seconds breathing technique
- shallow breathing
in the PA oblique tspine what is being best demonstrated
zygapophyseal joints: LAO position. Arrow indicates articulation that is closest to IR.
in the AP oblique tspine what is being best demonstrated
Recumbent AP oblique thoracic zygapophyseal joints: RPO position. Arrow indicates articulation that is farthest from IR.
what is the recommended breathing for the AP thoracic spine
Respiration suspended at end of expiration or use shallow breathing
what is the recommended breathing for the lateral thoracic spine
Make exposure with patient breathing normally or respiration suspended at end of expiration
What articulation must be seen in lateral t-spine?
T12 and L1
How many pairs of ribs do you have?
6 pairs
what is best breathing for lateral t-spine?
shallow or slow breathing
low mA and high time
3 to 5 seconds
