Radiology of the Back

Question 1

What are some of the common uses of radiography?

Answer 1

• Frature detection
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal cord injury
• Tumors
• Bone disease

Question 2

Answer 2

Lateral lumbosacral

Question 3

Answer 3

Antero-posterior (AP) thoracic spine

Question 4

Answer 4

Open mouth

Question 5

Answer 5

Oblique; cervical spine

Question 6

Importance of lateral view radiographs.

Answer 6

• Proper alignment of vertebrae and normal spinal curvature
• Inspecting for vertebrae fracture, bone spurs, slippage
• Intervertebral disc degeneration

Question 7

Indicate number 11 on the image.

Answer 7

Zygapophyseal joint (facet joint)

• Synovial joint between the superior and inferior articular process of adjacent vertebra

Question 8

Describe the normal alignment of the thoracic curvature.

Answer 8

• slightly Kyphotic
• Rib cage acts to stabilize thoracic spine in case of vertebral fracture

Question 9

What do numbers 1, 2 and * indicate?

Answer 9

• 1= C1 vertebra (Atlas)
• 2= C2 vertebra (Axis)
• *= Dens of Axis

Question 10

Indicate number 7. What is different about this vertebra than other vertebra of the same category?

Answer 10

• Vertebra prominens (C7 or T1)
  
  • Most superior palpable spinous process (longest of cervical)
  • Spinous process is not bifid

Question 11

Answer 11

Spondylolisthesis (slipping of vertebra)

Question 12

Indicate all numbers. Indicate viewpoint.

Answer 12

1. Rib
2. Transverse Process
3. Pedicle
4. Spinous Process
5. Sacrum
6. Sacroiliac joint

AP Thoracolumbar Radiograph