Subluxation Analysis: X-Ray Exam

Chiropractic x-rays:

usually taken weight bearing

most taken A-P and analyzed P-A

Spinography:

Chiropractic analysis of x-rays

Technique specific analysis

Order of patient encounter:

History

Examination: visualization, posture, ROM, leg check, ortho/neuro…

Instrumentation

Static and motion palpation

Diagnostic imaging (if warranted)

Diagnosis and prognosis

Treatment

What are the advantages of X-rays?

Correlate posture findings

Confirm static findings

Identify pathologies

Increases specificity (LOC, SCP, listings, etc.)

What are disadvantages to x-rays?

Exposure

Limited sensitivity to pathologies

Static picture of a dynamic spine (snapshot in time)

Cost

Maintenance

What part of the VSC does x-ray fall under?

Kinesiopathology → relative position

Histopathology → osteological changes

What part of the PART system does x-ray fall under?

A → asymmetry/misalignment

R → range of motion

Vertebral bodies

Superior and inferior endplates

Disc space

Mandible

Hyoid bone

Mitchel marker

Occipital condyle

C1 anterior tubercle

C1 posterior arch

Odontoid process

Atlanto-Dental interspace

C1 lateral masses

Mastoid process

yellow

Occipital condyles

blue

Foramen magnum

C1 TVP/ lateral mass junction

Odontoid process

C2 spinous process

C2 pedicle shadow

Junction of lamina (top of spinous)

Uncinate processes

Inferior aspect of vertebral bodies

Junction of laminae

Pedicle shadows

Vertebral waist

Inferior endplate tips

Superior endplate tips

Disc spaces

Disc spaces

End plate tips

Femur heads

Superior iliac crests

Lateral iliac crests

Ischial tuberosities

Obturator foramen

S2 tubercle

Pubic symphysis

Sacral groove

Lateral aspect of sacrum

Medial aspect of ilium