Evaluation Criteria C Spine

Question 1

Lateral C-spine evaluation criteria

Answer 1

• all 7 cervical vertebrae and 1/3 of T1
• gonion off of the axis and atlas
• open zygapophyseal joints
• CR centered at C5
• soft tissue included
• no rotation of tilt

Question 2

15 degree AP axial c-spine evaluation criteria

Answer 2

• C3 to T2/3 and surrounding soft tissue
• chin and base of skull superimposed
• open intervertebral disc spaces
• spinous processes equidistant to the pedicles
• mandibular angles equidistant to the vertebrae

Question 3

AP open mouth (Odontoid) evaluation criteria

Answer 3

• odontiod, atlas, and axis
• all articulating surfaces between atlas and axis
• mandibular rami equidistant from odontoid (no rotation)
• inferior edge of upper incisors superimposed over the base of the skull

Question 4

If you are unable to demonstrate the dens what is another option for a non-trauma patient?

Answer 4

Fuchs!

Question 5

Evaluation criteria for AP/PA axial obliques

Answer 5

• C1-C7 and T1
• oblique projection of vertebral bodies
• base of skull should clear C1
• mandible should clear upper vertebrae
• open intervertebral disk spaces C2-C7
• open intervertebral foramina C2-C7

Question 6

A routine that is very similar to c-spine is?

Answer 6

Soft tissue neck

Question 7

Soft tissue neck projections

Answer 7

• 15 degree AP axial

- lateral

Question 8

AP and lateral soft tissue neck evaluation criteria

Answer 8

Similar to a lateral c-spine but:

• demonstrates nasopharynx to lung apices
• collimate to exclude eyes
• 80 Kv @ 6 mAs to show soft tissue
• taken on gentle inspiration to demonstrate air in the pharynx and trachea