Exam 8: Image Analysis of the Cervical and Thoracic Vertebrae

An AP axial cervical projection with poor positioning demonstrates obscured intervertebral disk spaces and each vertebra's spinous process within its vertebral body. How was the positioning setup mispositioned for such a projection to be obtained?

A less than optimal lateral cervical vertebrae projection demonstrates the articular pillars of one side of the patient situated anterior to the opposite articular pillars. How was the patient mispositioned?

An AP thoracic vertebrae projection demonstrating obscured lower thoracic intervertebral disk spaces and distorted vertebral bodies

For PA axial oblique cervical projection, 1)the midcoronal plane is aligned at a 45-degree angle with the IR. 2)the central ray is angled 15 degrees caudally. 3)the head's midsagittal plane is aligned perpendicular to the IR. 4)an increased caudal angle is needed to demonstrate the lower vertebrae on a severely kyphotic patient.

A lateral cervical vertebral projection demonstrating the right and left articular pillars and zygapophyseal joints with superoinferior separation, the inferior cortices of the cranium and mandible without superimposition, and the vertebral foramen of C1 was obtained with the

For a lateral cervical projection obtained in maximum flexion, the 1)patient's chin is tucked into the chest as far as possible. 2)intervertebral disk spaces between the cervical bodies are narrowed. 3)patient's chin is extended up and backward as far as possible. 4)intervertebral disk spaces between the cervical bodies are widened.

For a lateral cervicothoracic projection (Twining method), the 1)patient is placed in a lateral projection. 2)arm placed adjacent to the imaging table is elevated. 3)arm placed farther from the imaging table is positioned at a 90-degree angle with the body. 4)midsagittal plane is aligned parallel with the IR.

For a lateral cervical projection, 1)the midcoronal plane is positioned parallel with the IR. 2)the IPL is aligned perpendicular to the IR. 3)the long axis of the cervical vertebral column is aligned with the short axis of the collimated field. 4)a 72-inch (183-cm) SID is used.

An AP axial cervical projection with accurate positioning demonstrates 1)each vertebra's spinous processes within the inferior adjoining vertebral body. 2)open intervertebral disk spaces. 3)the spinous processes aligned with the midline of the cervical bodies. 4)the second cervical vertebra in its entirety.

An AP axial cervical projection demonstrates the third cervical vertebra superimposed by the lower jaw. How should the positioning setup be adjusted for an optimal projection to be obtained? 1)Decrease the degree of central ray angulation. 2)Rotate the patient toward the left side. 3)Elevate the chin. 4)Align the acanthiomeatal line perpendicular to the IR.

A PA axial oblique cervical projection demonstrates closed intervertebral disk spaces and distorted vertebral bodies when the

A PA axial oblique cervical projection (LAO position) obtained with the patient overrotated demonstrates the 1)right pedicles in the midlines of the vertebral bodies. 2)right pedicles in profile. 3)left zygapophyseal joints. 4)vertebral column superimposed over the right SC joint and medial clavicle.

An AP atlas and axis projection with poor positioning demonstrates the dens superimposed over the posterior occiput. The upper incisors are demonstrated about 3 inches (7.5 cm) superior to the posterior occiput's inferior edge. How could the positioning setup be adjusted for an optimal projection to be obtained? 1)Adjust the central ray 15 degrees caudally. 2)Tuck the patient's chin 1.5 inches (3.75 cm). 3)Align the acanthiomeatal line perpendicular to the imaging table. 4)Move the central ray and IR 3 inches (7.5 cm) inferiorly.

For an AP atlas and axis projection, 1)the mandibular angles and the shoulders are positioned at equal distances from the IR. 2)the acanthiomeatal line is aligned parallel with the IR. 3)a 5-degree cephalad angulation is used. 4)an imaginary line connecting the upper occlusal plane and posterior occiput's inferior edge is aligned perpendicular to the IR.

An AP axial cervical vertebrae projection demonstrates a portion of the third cervical vertebra superimposed over the posterior occipital bone. How should the positioning setup be adjusted to obtain an optimal projection?

The prevertebral fat stripe is 1)located anterior to the cervical vertebrae. 2)demonstrated on cervical images with excessive image density. 3)used to detect fractures, masses, and inflammation within and around the cervical vertebrae. 4)demonstrated on a lateral cervical projection.

A lateral thoracic projection with accurate positioning demonstrates 1)the intervertebral foramina. 2)about 0.5 inch (1 cm) of space between the posterior ribs. 3)open intervertebral disk spaces. 4)the pedicles in profile.

An AP thoracic projection obtained with the patient rotated toward the left side demonstrates 1)the spinous processes positioned closer to the right side. 2)a greater distance from the right pedicle to the spinous process than from the left pedicle to the spinous process. 3)the right SC joint superimposed over the vertebral column. 4)closed intervertebral disk spaces.

A lateral cervicothoracic projection (Twining method) demonstrates closed intervertebral disk spaces and distorted vertebral bodies. How was the patient mispositioned for such a projection to be obtained?

For a lateral thoracic projection, 1)the shoulders are positioned at equal distances from the imaging table. 2)the arms are abducted to a 90-degree angle. 3)a breathing technique is used. 4)a radiolucent sponge is positioned between the patient's lateral body surface and imaging table at a level just inferior to the iliac crest.