Radiographic Techniques - Cervical Vertebrae
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Questions and Answers

What is the preferred position for the patient when performing a swimmers’ lateral projection of the cervical spine?

  • Lying on the side
  • Supine on a trauma trolley (correct)
  • Sitting upright
  • Prone on a table
  • Where should the collimated horizontal central ray be directed during the swimmers’ lateral projection?

  • At the midline of the image receptor, above the shoulder remote from the receptor (correct)
  • At the level of the patient's chin
  • At the shoulder nearest the receptor
  • Perpendicular to the last cervical vertebra
  • What must be ensured to produce a diagnostically acceptable image in the swimmers’ lateral projection?

  • The patient's arms must be equally elevated
  • The C7/T1 junction must be included in the image (correct)
  • The knees should be flexed for better comfort
  • The image receptor must be at an angle to the patient
  • What is the primary problem faced by radiographers when capturing images of the cervical spine?

    <p>Superimposition of the shoulders over the vertebrae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which action is taken to prepare the patient for the swimmers’ lateral projection?

    <p>The arm nearest the receptor is folded over the head</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of depressing the shoulders during cervical spine imaging?

    <p>To demonstrate the lower cervical vertebra</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where should the X-ray beam be centered for cervical lateral projection?

    <p>Vertically below the mastoid process at the level of thyroid cartilage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which landmark indicates the level of T7 in the human body?

    <p>Inferior angle of the scapula</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To ensure optimal image quality, which of the following should NOT obscure the cervical vertebra in the image?

    <p>Mandible or occipital bone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which positioning technique is important for the lateral projection of the cervical spine?

    <p>Aligning the median sagittal plane with the image receptor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required to clearly visualize the cervical spine in imaging?

    <p>Depression of the shoulders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which anatomical structure is easily palpated to depict the level of C1?

    <p>Tip of the mastoid process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key indicator for the level of T2 and T3?

    <p>Sternal notch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended position for a patient to ensure the best visualization of the cervical spine in a radiographic examination?

    <p>Supine on the Bucky table or standing against the vertical Bucky detector</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is crucial for achieving a clear radiographic image of the cervical spine?

    <p>Ensuring the neck is extended correctly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if the patient's front teeth superimpose over the area of interest during a radiographic examination?

    <p>Raise the chin to clear the upper incisors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In trauma cases, what is the priority regarding the patient during a radiographic examination?

    <p>To assess the patient's ability to move their neck safely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done to align the medial sagittal plane with the image receptor during cervical spine imaging?

    <p>Ensure it is at right angles to the image receptor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which projection is suggested if the patient cannot depress their shoulders adequately?

    <p>Swimmers’ projection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of not centering the receptor at the level of the mastoid process in cervical spine imaging?

    <p>Poor visualization of the area of interest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should the neck be positioned to ensure the line from the mastoid process to the upper incisors is optimal?

    <p>At right angles to the cassette</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Radiographic Techniques - Cervical Vertebrae

    • The tip of the mastoid process indicates the level of C1.
    • The spinous process of C7 creates a noticeable bump on the back of the neck's lower part.
    • The thoracic spine's spinous processes can be palpated below C7.
    • The inferior angle of the scapula marks T7 when arms are at the side.
    • The sternal notch is at the junction of T2 and T3.
    • T4 is indicated by the sternal angle; variable T9 is at the xiphisternal joint.
    • The lower costal margin shows L3, easily used for spinal positioning.
    • A line through the superior parts of the iliac crests indicates L4.
    • The tubercle of the iliac crest indicates L5.
    • The anterior and posterior iliac spines are at the level of the second sacral vertebra.
    • The X-ray beam is centered over a point below the mastoid process, at the level of the thyroid cartilage's prominence.

    Lateral Erect Position (Basic)

    • The patient can stand or sit with a shoulder against the cassette or Bucky.
    • The median sagittal plane should be aligned with the image receptor.
    • The mandible's angle should not overlap the upper anterior cervical vertebra, or occipital bone obscure the atlas' posterior arch.
    • To view the lower cervical vertebrae, the patient needs to lower their shoulders.
    • This can be instructed by asking the patient to hold weight in their hands.

    Lateral Erect Position (Essential Image Characteristics)

    • The entire cervical spine must be displayed, from the atlanto-occipital joints to the first thoracic vertebra.
    • The mandible or occipital bone shouldn't hide any upper vertebra.
    • Soft tissue detail of the neck needs to be included.
    • Adequate contrast for visualizing soft tissue and bone is vital.

    Lateral Supine Position

    • For trauma cases, the examination is usually done on a trolley, without moving the patient first.
    • The Lateral cervical radiograph is taken first.
    • A medical professional assesses the neck's mobility before further imaging.
    • The patient is normally in a supine (lying down) position.
    • The patient must depress their shoulders.
    • The CR cassette can be vertical or placed in the erect cassette holder.

    Antero-posterior - First and Second Cervical Vertebrae (Open Mouth)

    • The patient should lie supine on the Bucky table, or, if preferred, sit or stand with the posterior aspect of the head and shoulders against the Bucky detector.
    • The medial sagittal plane must align with the image receptor's middle.
    • The neck should be extended as much as possible, creating a straight line from the mastoid process to the inferior edge of the upper incisors and to the cassette.
    • The image receptor is positioned at the mastoid process level.
    • If the image shows overlapping anterior teeth, repeat the imaging with the patient's chin raised.

    Antero-posterior - Third to Seventh Cervical Vertebrae (Basic)

    • The patient lies supine on the Bucky table or sits/stands with the posterior head and shoulders against the vertical Bucky.
    • The median sagittal plane should be aligned with the image receptor's midline.
    • The neck should be extended to clear the vertebral areas from the lower jaw.

    Antero-posterior - Direction and Location of X-Ray Beam

    • The collimated beam has a 5-15-degree cranial angle.
    • The beam is centrally positioned towards a point just below the prominent thyroid cartilage, aligned with the fifth cervical vertebra.

    Lateral - Flexion and Extension

    • These views are supplementary to basic projections, often requested by a medical officer for cases of trauma or pathology, for example, subluxation or arthritis, to assess movement and changes in relation to insertions to endotracheal tubes.
    • A medical professional must supervise the flexion and extension movements in cases of suspected neck injury.

    Lateral Swimmers'

    • In trauma cases, essential for all cervical vertebrae and cervico-thoracic junction visibility.
    • Necessary to avoid shoulder overlay, critical for an acceptable radiograph, especially for accurate diagnosis.
    • The use of the swimmers' lateral view produces images useful in evaluating vertebral alignment.

    Additional Notes

    • Page numbers and specific figure references have not been included in these notes, as they're not critical for understanding and are specific to the original document.

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    Description

    This quiz focuses on key radiographic techniques related to the cervical vertebrae. It covers anatomical landmarks important for accurate positioning and identification of the various vertebral levels during imaging. Assess your knowledge of spinal anatomy and radiographic positioning methods.

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