Radiology of the Spine Flashcards
In terms of the spine, what do x-rays show?
Bony outlines only
In terms of the spine, what do CTs show?
Bony outlines and some soft tissue structures e.g. lumbar disc
In terms of the spine, what do MRIs show?
Bony outlines in less detail but shows soft tissues such as bone marrow, discs, ligaments, spinal cord and nerves
The space inferior to the pedicle is known as what? What passes through here?
The neural foramen, the spinal nerves pass through here
What two structures does C1 articulate with?
C2, and the occipital bone
What vertebrae has an odontoid process? Where does this project?
C2- projects superiorly into C1
In terms of the size of vertebrae, what can be seen on an abnormal x-ray?
Consecutive vertebrae should be a similar size- if this is not the case then something is wrong
Normal anatomical features of the spine are best seen on what type of x-ray?
Lateral view
What is this type of fracture known as?
Hangman’s fracture- one vertebrae is not in line with all the rest
When should a CT be used in spinal imaging?
If an x-ray shows a fracture but you need more detail, or want to see if there are more.
If there is high clinical suspicion of a fracture but an x-ray doesn’t show one.
What are intervertebral ligaments responsible for?
What test is required to see these ligaments?
Tether the verebrae together
MRI
Abnormal vertebral alignment on CT or x-ray implies what?
Ligament damage and an unstable spine
On MRI, what colour are…
A) normal ligaments?
B) abnormal ligaments?
A) Black
B) White/light
What does this MRI show?
Acute prolapsed intervertebral disc
What are some features of a bony tumour whih can be seen on x-ray and CT?
Bone destruction, bone sclerosis, vertebral collapse
Some say this x-ray looks like an owl winking. What does this show?
Reduced density- a destroyed pedicle
What is shown in this MRI?
Spinal cord tumour
