Cervical spine x ray cpt
The dens should be clearly demonstrated in the foramen magnum. The patient is asked to suspend respiration when the exposure is taken. Position of part The gonads are shielded. The neck is extended until the tips of the chin and mastoid process are oriented vertically. A support may be placed under the knees for comfort. The patient’s arms are placed by the side of the body and the shoulders are flat on the table. The midsagittal plane of the body is centered and perpendicular to the grid. This position is NOT to be attempted in patients with fracture or degenerative disease of the upper cervical spine. Purpose and Structures Shown An additional view to demonstrate the dens in the foramen magnum. The patient should be asked to stop breathing when the exposure is taken. Position of part Remove necklaces, hair grips, and anything else from the hair. This view is used in patients who cannot sit due to injuries. Purpose and Structures Shown An additional view of the cervical spine for patients with injuries. Video Credit : Jocelyn Caldwell Cervical Spine AP Supine The patient should be turned to the other side for the other oblique view and the process repeated. The patient should be positioned so that he or she is at a 45-degree angle to the cassette holder. Purpose and Structures Shown An additional view of the cervical spine. Video Credit : CentralazRAD Cervical Spine Oblique In uninjured patients, a 1 kg (2 lb) weight should be placed in each hand. The arms should be by the sides and the shoulders should be as low as possible. The patient should be positioned with the shoulder against the cassette holder. The knob at the back of the head should be at the same level as the lower jaw (chin). The patient should be asked to place the chin against the cassette holder. Purpose and Structures Shown A basic view of the cervical spine. The density should be appropriate with soft tissues and bony structures well visualized. Radiologists consider a cervical spine X-ray to be of good quality when the lateral view shows all 7 cervical vertebrae plus the C7-T1 junction. Cervicothoracic Region Lateral Twinning Method.Assessment requires a systematic approach.This article discusses radiographic positioning of the cervical spine for the Radiologic Technologist (X-Ray Tech). The lateral view is often the most informative image. If the lateral view does not show the vertebrae down to T1 then a repeat view with the arms lowered or a ' Swimmer's view' may be required. In the context of trauma these images are all difficult to acquire because the patient may be in pain, confused, unconscious, or unable to cooperate due to the immobilisation devices. The 3 standard views are - Lateral view - Anterior-Posterior (AP) view - and the Odontoid Peg view (or Open Mouth view). Imaging should not delay resuscitation.įurther imaging with CT or MRI (not discussed) is often appropriate in the context of a high risk injury, neurological deficit, limited clinical examination, or where there are unclear X-ray findings. This is because normal C-spine X-rays cannot exclude significant injury, and because a missed C-spine fracture can lead to death, or life long neurological deficit.Ĭlinico-radiological assessment of spinal injuries should be managed by experienced clinicians in accordance with local and national clinical guidelines. Bones - Cortical outline/Vertebral body heightĬlinical considerations are particularly important in the context of Cervical spine (C-spine) injury.Alignment - Anterior/Posterior/Spinolaminar.Look at all views available in a systematic manner.Clinical considerations are of particular importance when assessing appearances of C-spine X-rays.Normal C-spine X-rays do not exclude significant injury.