Question 1

An AP lumbar vertebrae projection demonstrating greater distances from the right pedicles to the spinous processes than from the left pedicles to the spinous processes

Accepted Answer

A)  was obtained with the patient's right side positioned closer to the IR than the left side. 
B)  will also demonstrate the sacrum and coccyx rotated toward the right inlet pelvis. 
C)  will require the patient to be rotated toward the right side to obtain an optimal projection. 
D)  was obtained with the patient's legs extended.

Question 2

A lateral lumbar projection with accurate positioning demonstrates
1)open intervertebral disk spaces.
2)the intervertebral foramina.
3)distorted vertebral bodies.
4)the zygapophyseal joints.

Accepted Answer

A)  1 and 2 only 
B)  3 and 4 only 
C)  1, 2, and 3 only 
D)  1 and 4 only

Question 3

For a spot lateral L5-S1 projection,
1)the vertebral column is aligned parallel with the imaging table.
2)a high kVp is used to penetrate the hips and pelvis.
3)the shoulders and ASISs are positioned at equal distances from the imaging table.
4)the knees are flexed.

Accepted Answer

A)  1 and 2 only 
B)  3 and 4 only 
C)  1, 2, and 4 only 
D)  1, 2, 3, and 4

Question 4

A lateral lumbar projection demonstrates closed L4-L5 and L5-S1 intervertebral disk spaces. How should the positioning setup be adjusted for an optimal projection to be obtained?
1)Angle the central ray until it parallels the interiliac line.
2)Rotate the patient into a true lateral position.
3)Align the central ray perpendicular to the L5-S1 vertebral column area.
4)Align the vertebral column parallel with the imaging table.

Accepted Answer

A)  1 and 4 only 
B)  2 only 
C)  3 and 4 only 
D)  1, 3, and 4 only

Question 5

For an AP lumbar projection, the
1)ASISs are positioned at equal distances from the imaging table.
2)patient's legs are extended.
3)long axis of the vertebral column is aligned with the short axis of the collimated field.
4)central ray is centered to the iliac crest when a 14- × 17-inch (35- × 43-cm) IR is used.

Accepted Answer

A)  1 and 4 only 
B)  2 only 
C)  1, 2, and 4 only 
D)  1, 2, 3, and 4

Question 6

An AP axial sacral projection obtained with a perpendicular central ray demonstrates
1)an elongated sacrum.
2)the sacrum and symphysis pubis without alignment.
3)a foreshortened sacrum.
4)the symphysis pubis superimposed over the lower sacral segments.

Accepted Answer

A)  1 and 4 only 
B)  2 only 
C)  3 only 
D)  3 and 4 only

Question 7

An AP axial sacral projection with poor positioning demonstrates that the symphysis pubis rotated toward the patient's right side. How was the positioning setup mispositioned for such a projection to be obtained?

Accepted Answer

A)  The central ray was angled too cephalically. 
B)  The patient was in an RPO position. 
C)  The patient's legs were extended. 
D)  The patient was in an LPO position.

Question 8

An AP oblique lumbar projection (RPO or LPO position) with accurate positioning demonstrates
1)the superior and inferior articular processes in profile.
2)"Scotty dogs" that are stacked on top of one another.
3)the obturator foramina.
4)the pedicles situated closest to the IR in the center of the vertebral bodies.

Accepted Answer

A)  1 and 2 only 
B)  3 only 
C)  1, 2, and 4 only 
D)  1, 2, 3, and 4

Question 9

A left lateral sacral projection demonstrates the greater sciatic notches without superimposition and the superiorly situated femoral head anteriorly. How should the positioning setup be adjusted for an optimal projection to be obtained?

Accepted Answer

A)  Rotate the right side of the pelvis anteriorly. 
B)  Position a radiolucent sponge between the lateral body surface and the imaging table to eliminate lumbar sagging. 
C)  Angle the central ray caudally. 
D)  Rotate the right side of the pelvis posteriorly.

Question 10

An AP lumbar projection with poor positioning that demonstrates closed intervertebral disk spaces
1)also demonstrates distorted vertebral bodies.
2)was obtained with the patient rotated.
3)was obtained with the patient's legs extended.
4)also demonstrates the sacrum and coccyx rotated toward the left side.

Accepted Answer

A)  1 and 2 only 
B)  2 and 3 only 
C)  1 and 3 only 
D)  2 and 4 only

Exam 9: Image Analysis of the Lumbar Vertebrae, Sacrum, and Coccyx

An AP lumbar vertebrae projection demonstrating greater distances from the right pedicles to the spinous processes than from the left pedicles to the spinous processes

A lateral lumbar projection with accurate positioning demonstrates 1) open intervertebral disk spaces. 2) the intervertebral foramina. 3) distorted vertebral bodies. 4) the zygapophyseal joints.

For a spot lateral L5-S1 projection, 1) the vertebral column is aligned parallel with the imaging table. 2) a high kVp is used to penetrate the hips and pelvis. 3) the shoulders and ASISs are positioned at equal distances from the imaging table. 4) the knees are flexed.

An AP axial sacral projection obtained with a perpendicular central ray demonstrates 1) an elongated sacrum. 2) the sacrum and symphysis pubis without alignment. 3) a foreshortened sacrum. 4) the symphysis pubis superimposed over the lower sacral segments.

An AP axial sacral projection with poor positioning demonstrates that the symphysis pubis rotated toward the patient's right side. How was the positioning setup mispositioned for such a projection to be obtained?

A left lateral sacral projection demonstrates the greater sciatic notches without superimposition and the superiorly situated femoral head anteriorly. How should the positioning setup be adjusted for an optimal projection to be obtained?