X-RAY OF CERVICAL SPINE
X-ray Cervical Spine A/P View
Region: 3rd~7th cervical vertebra, 1st~3rd thoracic vertebra, intervertebral space, spinous process
Pathology: fracture, arthritis and herniated intervertebral disc of cervical vertebrae
SID: 100 cm (40 inches)
Central Ray: beam directed at the 4th cervical vertebra with 15˚ cephalic angulation
Respiration: suspended
Position
1. The patient is placed either in supine
position or in erect position.
2. Place 4th cervical
vertebra at the center of the image receptor (IR).
3. With the neck extended, align the line, connecting the inferior angle of
body of mandible and
the lower margin of occipital
bone, perpendicular to the IR.
Evaluation
1. Space between intervertebral
disc should be well separated.
2. Atlas and
axis (first and second cervical
vertebrae) overlap with shadow of mandible and cranial
base.
3. Thoracic structures including the first and second thoracic
vertebrae, ribs, clavicle, lung apex,
trachea can be observed.
kVp-65, mAs-16
Tip
1. Film with the mouth opened when
observing atlas and
axis.
2. Implement the inspection in supine position for patient with trauma.
3. The patient must not shallow saliva while irradiating X-ray.
X-ray Cervical Spine Lateral View
Region: 1st~7th cervical vertebrae , zygapophyseal joint, intervertebral space, spinous process
Pathology: fracture, arthritis and herniated intervertebral disc of cervical vertebrae
SID: 180 cm (72 inches)
Central Ray: perpendicular beam directed at the 4th cervical vertebra
Respiration: suspended with expiration
Position
1. The patient is placed either in a true lateral position or in an erect position.
2. Lower both shoulders to adjust them in a same horizontal level and place the shoulder firmly on the image receptor (IR).
3. Elevate the chin to avoid the overlap of the mandible with upper parts of cervical vertebra.
Evaluation
1. Bilateral ramus of mandible should overlap on one another but the atlas and axis should not be superimposed.
2. Zygapophyseal joint, spinous process, and intervertebral joint must be clearly demonstrated.
kVp-70, mAs-20
Tip
1. Place external auditory meatus (EAM) 5 cm below top of image receptor (IR).
2. It is hard to maintain the pose for patient; the inspection must be done in a short time.
3. Use Swimmers method when 7th cervical vertebra does not show.
