Radiography: Spine

Question 1

To properly demonstrate the zygapophyseal joints of the lumbar vertebrae with an oblique projection/view, it is necessary to rotate the patient how many degrees?

Answer 1

45°

Question 2

A patient with ________________ is a patient with an exaggerated anterior concavity of the lumbar spine.

Answer 2

lordosis

Question 3

When performing an anteroposterior projection/view of the lumbar spine, the central ray of the X-ray beam should be centered at which vertebra?

Answer 3

L3

Question 4

A properly positioned lateral cervical spine projection/view should image the entire cervical spine down to which vertebrae (on most patients)?

Answer 4

T1

Question 5

What X-ray technique provides an anteroposterior (AP) projection/view of the L5 to S1 junction?

Answer 5

An AP axial with 30° to 35° angle cephalad

Question 6

Which radiographic projection/view provides visualization of the cervicothoracic junction (between C7 and T1)?

Answer 6

Swimmer’s lateral

Question 7

For a nontrauma AP cervical spine dens projection, with the patient supine, the patient’s chin should be ____________ to the table; the central ray should be positioned ____ to the mentomeatal line.

Answer 7

elevated (extended) enough to bring the mentomeatal line almost perpendicular to the table; parallel to the mentomeatal line

Question 8

The seventh cervical vertebra (C7) is considered an atypical cervical vertebra because of its long ________________that can be seen and felt in the back of the neck.

Answer 8

spinous process

Question 9

The first cervical vertebrae (C1) is also commonly known as the _____________.

Answer 9

atlas

Question 10

The seventh cervical vertebrae (C7) is also known as the ___________.

Answer 10

vertebra prominens

Question 11

11. The ________artery originates from its respective subclavian artery in the root of the neck.

Answer 11

vertebral

Question 12

The ________projection/view is a method used to better demonstrate the odontoid tip of the second cervical vertebrae (C2).

Answer 12

Fuchs

Question 13

When performing an axial oblique projection/view of the cervical spine to demonstrate the intervertebral foramen of the cervical spine to be open, it is necessary to achieve adequate rotation of the vertebral column, usually at a ___________ angle.

Answer 13

45°

Question 14

If clinically indicated, a specialized exposure-breathing technique may be used when performing a lateral projection of which portion of the spinal region?

Answer 14

The thoracic region

Question 15

What angle and direction should the central ray of the X-ray beam be directed towards when performing an anteroposterior projection/view of the cervical spine?

Answer 15

15° to 20° cephalad