Diagnostic Imaging Exam 2 Module 8

Why are skull radiographs often performed under anesthesia or heavy sedation?

Precision and symmetry are critical; sedation ensures patient stays still and allows careful monitoring

What areas of interest are typically evaluated in skull radiographs?

Skull, maxilla, mandible, dental arcades, sinuses, nasal cavity, tympanic bullae, TMJ

What are the routine skull radiograph views?

Lateral, DV or VD, left + right obliques, open mouth lateral, rostrocaudal, VD open mouth, occlusal views

How do you position for a lateral skull view?

Roll the head to superimpose eyes; use padding for stability

How do you position for an openmouthed lateral skull view?

Use a 2” gauze or tape roll to separate jaws; foam wedge under mandible; no metal gags

How is the VD skull view positioned?

Patient in ventrodorsal recumbency, front limbs extended caudally, hard palate parallel to table, check symmetry

What are oblique skull views used for?

viewing dental arcades and tympanic bull at a 30-45 degree angle

How is a nasal study positioned?

Lateral open mouth, VD open mouth, or frontal view; beam center between eyes; nose perpendicular to beam

How is the rostrocaudal skull view positioned?

Bridge of noses perpendicular to table; collimate to top of skull

How is the VD open mouth skull view used?

Maxillary view to see nasal regions without mandible superimposition

How are occlusal views done?

Use onscreen film; measure at lateral commissure of mouth; used to view maxilla or mandible

How are TMJ and tympanic bull oblique views positioned?

Rotate cranium 20 degrees toward cassette with sponge wedge; slightly raise nose

What’s important when taking spinal radiographs?

Vertebral column parallel to table, disk spaces perpendicular, use positioning aids, caution with injured patients

What are some spinal conditions to be aware of?

Congenital (spina bifida, scoliosis, kyphosis lordosis, cervical instability), neoplasia, metabolic diseases, trauma, degenerative diseases, infections

What are the standard spinal radiograph views?

Lateral and VD; supplemental: D obliques, flexed lateral (with caution), contrast films (myelography)

Cervical spine lateral view - beam, measure, landmarks?

Beam: C4-5, measure: over C7 (thoracic inlet); cranial: base of skull; caudal: spine of scapula; neck extended, limbs pulled caudally

Cervical spine VD view - beam, measure, positioning?

Beam: C4-5; measure C5-6; dorsal recumbency with head extended, limbs pulled caudally; cotton under mid-cervical region; field of view: base of skull through C7

Thoracic spine lateral view - beam, measure, landmarks, positioning?

Beam: T7; measure: 7th rib (highest point); cranial: spine of scapula; caudal: halfway between xiphoid and last rib; limbs pulled, slight table angle, wedge under sternum

VD thoracic view - beam, measure, landmarks?

Beam: caudal border off capula (T6); measure: highest point of sternum; cranial: spine of scapula; caudal: halfway between xiphoid and last rib; field: C7-L1; use V-trough

Thoracolumbar (TL) spine - beam, measure, field of view, positioning?

Beam: TL junction; measure: TL junction; FOV: TL spine; legs extended away from body, wedge under sternum; VD: sternum superimposed over thoracic spine

Lumbar spine - beam, measure, landmarks, FOV?

Beam: L4; measure; over TL junction; cranial: halfway between xiphoid and last rib; caudal: wings of ilium; FOV: T13-S1; VD vandal landmark: wing of ilium

Lumbosacral vertebrae - patient prep, beam, measure, positioning?

Prep: enema; beam: wing of ilium; measure: highest point; wedges to keep parallel; VD angle beam 20-30 degrees to open joint space