8 Vertebral Column
CERVICAL SPINE
Points to consider
Technique
Remember to set the exposure before positioning
AP C1–C3 – adjust patient so that occipital bone and lower edge of upper incisors are superimposed
AP C1–C3 – patient may overextend the head when opening the mouth
AP – mental region of mandible should be superimposed over the occiput
AP C1–C3
• Median sagittal plane 90° to the cassette
• Patient’s neck is extended until the upper occlusal plane is perpendicular to the table top
• The patient is then asked to open the mouth as wide as possible, ensure the occlusal plane remains perpendicular to the table top
CERVICAL SPINE
Points to consider
Technique
Acute trauma – use horizontal beam – do not adjust head
Remember to remove jewelry/ear-rings that is in the field of interest
Exposure made on arrested expiration
Must include C7 on the radiograph
Oblique – extend the head back to avoid superimposition of the mandible
Lateral
• Patient in the erect position with the shoulder against the cassette
• Median sagittal plane parallel to the cassette
• Patient’s shoulders should be relaxed and arms are placed down and slightly behind the trunk
• Feet are separated to aid stability
• Patient’s chin is raised and extended slightly forwards so that the mandible does not obscure the spine
Anterior obliques – both sides for comparison
• Patient erect facing a vertical bucky
• Trunk is then rotated 45° to each side in turn
• Patient’s head is rotated so that the median sagittal plane is parallel to the bucky
• As with every x-ray ensure anatomical legends are applied as interpretation without them at times can be confusing
