Normal Radiographic Spinal Anatomy Daniel W. Haun, DC, DACBR Logan College of Chiropractic

Normal Radiographic Anatomy The Basics Radiographs are two-dimensional images of three-dimensional structures; much anatomical overlap occurs on radiographs.

Normal Radiographic Anatomy The Basics Five basic densities Metal – bright white Bone – White Water/Soft Tissue – Shades of Lighter Gray Fat – Darker Gray Air – Black Radiolucent = black Radiopaque = white

Normal Radiographic Anatomy Cervical Spine

AP Open Mouth

AP Open Mouth Odontoid Process Occipital condyles Lateral Masses C1 Posterior Arch C1 Transverse Process C1 C2 Spinous Process C3 Spinous Process AP Open Mouth

Neutral Lateral Cervical

Neutral Lateral Cervical C1 Posterior Arch and Tubercle C1 Anterior Tubercle Odontoid Process C2 Vertebral Bodies C3 Spinous Processes C4 C5 Intervertebral Discs C6 C7 Neutral Lateral Cervical Articular Processes

Oblique Cervical

Oblique Cervical C1 Posterior Arch and Tubercle C1 Anterior Tubercle Intervertebral Foramina C3 C4 Articular Processes C5 T1 Transverse Process C6 C7 T1 Pedicles 1st Ribs Oblique Cervical

AP Lower Cervical

Articular Processes or Pillars Spinous Processes C4 Articular Processes or Pillars Uncinate Processes C5 C6 1st Rib C7 Transverse Process C7 T1 T1 Transverse Process AP Lower Cervical

Normal Radiographic Anatomy Thoracic Spine

AP Thoracic

AP Thoracic Posterior Ribs Pedicles Transverse Processes Intervertebral Discs T12 AP Thoracic

Lateral Thoracic

Superior Articular Processes Pedicles T6 Vertebral Bodies Intervertebral Foramina Intervertebral Discs Spinous Processes T12 Lateral Thoracic

Normal Radiographic Anatomy Pelvis and Lumbar Spine

AP Pelvis

Inferior Articular Processes Superior Articular Processes Spinous Processes Superior Articular Processes L5 Transverse Processes L5 Sacroiliac Joints Ventral Sacral Foramina Median Sacral Crest Coccyx AP Pelvis Pubic Symphysis

AP Lumbar

Superior Articular Processes Inferior Articular Processes Pedicles Spinous Processes Transverse Processes Sacroiliac Joints Median Sacral Crest AP Lumbar

Lateral Lumbar

Superior Articular Processes Inferior Articular Processes Pedicles Superior Articular Processes Vertebral Bodies Spinous Processes Intervertebral Discs Inferior Articular Processes L5 Intervertebral Foramina Sacral Canal Lateral Lumbar Sacrum

Oblique Lumbar

Oblique Lumbar Transverse Processes Inferior Articular Processes Superior Articular Processes Partes Interarticulares Pedicles “Scotty Dog” Appearance Sacroiliac Joint Oblique Lumbar