The C-Spine

Things to know 5 views AP, Lateral, Oblique, Open mouth Shield Marker

Lateral 10 x 12 lengthwise Measure about 11 75 @ 28 Expiration Remove metal

Position of patient Patient is erect with shoulder against IR Align midcoronal plane to CR and midline of bucky Depress shoulders as far down as possible Raise chin slightly

CR perpendicular to C4 at 72 Inches

Seen on Radiograph Cervical vertebral bodies. C1-C7 Intervertebral joint spaces Spinous processes Zygapophyseal joints.

Oblique AP or PA 10 x 12 lengthwise Measures 11 75 @ 10 Hold breath

Positioning Patient erect with arms at side Align spine to midline of IR Rotate patient 45 Degrees (right & left) Raise chin lightly

SID 72 Inches at C4 PA Angle 15 degrees Caudad AP angle 15 Cephalad

Collimate skin borders Hold breath

Seen on Film Intervertebral foramina C1- C7 Pedicles in profile

AP 10 x 12 lengthwise 75 @ 10 Measures 11 Hold breath

Positioning Patient erect or supine Align midsagittal plane with midline of table Adjust head so that the occlusal plane is aligned with mastoid tips or base of skull and perpendicular to table.

CR is 15 Cephalad to C4 SID 40

Seen on Radiograph C3-T2 vertebral bodies Space between pedicles Intervertebral disk spaces No rotation

Open Mouth 8 x 10 lengthwise Measures 15 75 @ 15 Hold breath Remove dentures

Positioning Align midsagittal plane with midline of IR Ajust head so lower margin of teeth and mastiod tips is perpendicular to IR No rotation Open mouth wide as possible Patient erect or supine.

CR perpendicular through center of open mouth. SID 40

Seen on radiograph Dens Body of C2 Zygapophyseal joint between C1 and C2