Imaging UQ - exam 3

Question 1

what are routine x-rays of the cervical spine?

Answer 1

AP open mouth - AA
AP lower cervical spine - lower cervical, upper thoracic, ribs, clavicles
lateral - alignment of all cervical vertebrae

oblique (less common)

Question 2

what do you see with an AP open mouth x ray?

Answer 2

C1 and lateral masses symmetrical on axis
C1 lateral masses within superior articular processes of C2
Dens symmetrical between C1 lateral masses
equal C1 on C2 jt spaces
midline C2 SP

Question 3

What can you see with an AP lower cervical spine x ray?

Answer 3

vertically aligned vertebral bodies
midline SP
lateral column
– overlapping articular pillars and Z jts
– one smooth bony column lateral to bodies
U jt
air filled trachea (blackness)
clavicles
TPs difficult to discern

Question 4

what 3 things should be aligned in normal vertebral alignment?

Answer 4

anterior vertebral borders
posterior vertebral borders
spinolaminar line
– SP and laminae junction, posterior extent of central spinal canal

Question 5

when investigating mechanical instability, would a normal vertebral alignment show the 3 parallel lines constant in neutral, flex & ext?

Answer 5

yes

Question 6

what is the best view of disc spaces?

Answer 6

lateral

Question 7

what should you see in a normal lateral x ray image?

Answer 7

vertebral bodies are boxed w smooth edges
intervertebral disc spaces preserved
space between anterior dens and atlas indicates distance kept by transverse ligament
TPs aligned over bodies

Question 8

what view is best for seeing Z jt spaces?

Answer 8

lateral

Question 9

what view is best for single side intervertebral foramen?

Answer 9

oblique

** good to pick up on openings