#Normal cervical spine x rays series#

specialized projections of the cervical spine often requested to assess for spinal stability.modified lateral projection of the cervical spine to visualize the C7/T1 junction.Cervical spine X-rays are often done after someone injured their head, neck. It can show fractures (breaks) in the cervical vertebrae or dislocation of the joints between the vertebrae. The charge nurse, aware of the recent departmental push to limit costs, asks if the. A cervical spine X-ray can help doctors find the cause of neck, shoulder, upper back, or arm pain, as well as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand. However, if you suspect disc pathology (e.g disc. The patient has a normal neurological exam. demonstrated the intervertebral foramina of the side positioned closer to the image receptor Lateral C-spine X-ray with normal outlines of the vertebra compared with a teardrop fracture of C5 on the right 3 Cartilage (i.e discs) Intervertebral discs should be roughly similar in height throughout the cervical spine, with no obvious loss of height at any point in the disc.As technology advances, computed tomography (CT) has replaced this projection, yet there remain many institutions (especially in rural areas) where CT is not readily available. Note: For initial evaluation after trauma, routine 3 view (AP/Lateral/Odontoid) is recommended unless requested by a spine. Cervical spine lateral view is a lateral projection of the cervical spine. demonstrates the intervertebral foramina of the side positioned further from the image receptor Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data.also known as a 'peg' projection it demonstrates the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) X-rays of the spine may be performed to evaluate any area of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, or coccygeal).anterior-posterior relationship of the vertebral bodies.soft tissue structures around the c spine.anteroposterior projection of the cervical spine demonstrating the vertebral bodies and intervertebral spaces.Note: in the absence of CT 5 views of the C-spine should be performed: AP, lateral, obliques and odontoid 5. IndicationsĬervical spine radiographs are indicated for a variety of settings including 1-3:Ī decision to pursue C-spine imaging of any kind should be cross-referenced with the 'Canadian C-Spine Rule' for C-spine imaging due to its high sensitivity and specificity 4.

#Normal cervical spine x rays series#

The cervical spine series is a set of radiographs taken to investigate the bony structures of the cervical spine, albeit commonly replaced by the CT, the cervical spine series is an essential trauma radiograph for all radiographers to understand.