What is the proper central ray angulation for an AP projection of the cervical vertebrae?

Comparative Study

Cervical spine: comparison of 45 degrees and 55 degrees anteroposterior oblique radiographic projections

S Marcelis et al. Radiology. 1993 Jul.

Abstract

The orientation of the intervertebral foramina (IVF) at six cervical levels on transaxial images in 65 magnetic resonance (MR) studies was determined to explain variations in size and shape evident on the 45 degrees standard radiographic oblique view. Analysis of MR imaging data showed that substantial variations in the orientation of the cervical IVFs occurred throughout the cervical spine and that a 55 degrees anteroposterior (AP) oblique view with standard radiography probably would lead to better visualization of the lower cervical IVFs. These results were confirmed with a radiographic and anatomic study of two cadaveric specimens. In a prospective clinical study of 23 patients, 45 degrees and 55 degrees AP oblique views were compared by measuring the maximal transverse diameter of all the cervical IVFs. IVF size was substantially increased on the 55 degrees AP oblique projection at all lower cervical levels. The 55 degrees AP oblique view of the cervical spine is optimal for evaluating the lower cervical foramina and can be a routine alternative to the 45 degrees oblique view in the analysis of all cervical foramina.

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0 degrees19. Which of the following is placed perpendicular to the tabletop for the AP axial cervicalvertebrae?

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20. Where is the IR centered for an AP axial cervical spine?

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21. The central-ray angle for an AP Axial of cervical vertebrae is:

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22. How are small weights applied to applied to the arms for the lateral projection of the cervicalspine (Grandy method)?

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23. Where is the IR centered for a lateral cervical spine (Grandy Method)?

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24. What is the recommended SID for the lateral cervical spine (Grandy Method)?

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25. The respiration phase for a lateral cervical spine is:

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26. Where is the central ray centered for a hyperflexion of hyperextension lateral cervical spine?

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27. Which projection of the cervical spine will demonstrate the zygapophyseal joints between C3and C7 of the cervical spine?

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28. The intervertebral foramina of the cervical spine are demonstrated on which of the followingprojections?

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What is the angle for the AP cervical spine projection?

B: For the AP view of the cervical spine, the patient is either erect or recumbent. The beam is directed toward the C-4 vertebra (at the Adam's apple) at an angle of 15°-20° cephalad.

Where is the central ray centered for AP axial cervical spine?

To achieve the best angle, the central ray should be directed at an angle that parallels the plane of the mandible and then directed to just below the hyoid bone. This allows for discrepancies in the tilt of the head (flexion/extension of the cervical spine).

What is the proper central ray angulation and entrance point for an AP open mouth projection of the cervical spine?

the central ray entrance point is midway between the jugular notch and xiphoid process. The central ray enters at the level of T6 or T7.

When performing an AP axial projection of the cervical spine in order for the central ray to pass through C4 What is the appropriate entrance point for the beam?

When performing an AP axial projection of the cervical spine, the central ray should be angled 15-20 degrees cephalad. Because the central ray should pass through C4, and because there is a cephalic angulation of the beam, the central ray should enter inferior to the level where it exits.