Question | Answer |
A radiograph of an AP "open mouth" projection of the C-spine reveals that the base of the skull is superimposed over the upper odontoid process. Whats the positioning error? | Excessive extention of the skull |
An AP axial projection of the c-spine requires what angulation? | 15 degree cephalad angle |
What is the SID for the c-spine? | 60"-72" |
What is the name of the AP "wagging jaw" of the c-spine? | Ottonello method |
The Ottonello method requires a short exposure time. (True/False) | False. purpose is the blur the mandible. |
What does the breathing technique do on the Lateral T-spine? | blurs out unwanted rib and lung markings. |
What is the Anode Heel Effect? | creates a uniform density throughout T-spine. Cathode side is over abdominal end of patient |
Why do you flex the patients knees and hips for an AP T-spine? | to reduce thoracic curvature |
What does the wedge compensating filter do on an AP T-spine? | obtains uniform brightness/density. Thicker part of filter is over the upper vertebra of patient. |
What do you do on a Lateral T-spine if the patient has broad shoulders? | angle the CR 3-5 degrees cephalic |
On a trauma C-spine, what projection should you do first? | left horizontal lateral |
What pathology may be visualized with a left horizontal lateral projection for a trauma patient? | clay shoveler's, compression, hangman's, odontoid, and teardrop burst fractures. |
What is subluxation? | partial dislocation |
What projections would best demonstrate a whiplash injury? | hyperextension and hyperflexion lateral positions |
The lateral hyperflexion and hyperextension of the c-spine are performed to rule out whiplash and what else? | follow up after spinal fusion surgery |
What's viewed on a c-spine hyperflextion? | spinous processes should be well seperated |
What's viewed on a c-spine hyperextension? | spinous processes should be close in proximity. |
What other projections can be taken to view the odontoid process/dens besides the AP open mouth? | AP Fuchs; PA Judd |
If technologist cannot obtain C7-T1 on the lateral c-spine, what other projection can be taken? | Cervicothoracic (Swimmers) |
Whats another name for the Cervicothoracic (Swimmers) projection? | Twining Method |
To help seperate the shoulders on the Cervicothoracic (Swimmers) projection, what should the technologist do? | slight caudad angle of 3-5 degrees |
What projection can be taken to demonstrate the lateral masses of C4? | AP Axial vertebral arch (pillars) |
What are the structures shown on the AP axial vertebral arch(pillars) projection? | posterior elements of mid and distal cervical and proximal thoracic vertebrae. C4-C7 |
What specific projection is taken for a Jefferson fracture? (besides a CT scan) | AP open mouth |
What procedure is performed if a patient has a history of Scheuermann disease? | scoliosis series |