Cervical Spine - Lateral Flexion / Extension

What is the C-Spine Lateral Hyperflexion / Hyperextension projection used for?

used to demonstrate absence of normal movement from trauma or disease

In a C-Spine Lateral Hyperflexion, the spinous processes are:

elevated and widely separated

In a C-Spine Lateral Hyperextension, the spinous processes are:

depressed in close approximation

The C-Spine Lateral Hyperflexion / Hyperextension procedure must not be attempted until

the cervical spine pathology or fracture has been ruled out

The C-Spine Lateral Hyperflexion/Hyperextension procedure is typically performed by having the patient:

upright, seated or standing

Have patient elevate chin and relax head as far back as possible during :

hyperextension

Have patient drop head forward and draw the chin as close as possible to the chest during:

hyperflexion

Where is the central ray place for the C-Spine Lateral Hyperflexion / Hyperextension projection:

horizontal and perpendicular to C4 (adam’s apple)

What is the radiation field for the C-Spine Lateral Hyperflexion / Hyperextension projection?

10 × 12 inches

What is the SID for the C-Spine Lateral Hyperflexion / Hyperextension projection?

a 60 to 72-inch SID is recommended to compensate for the increased OID

Evaluation Criteria for the Hyperflexion position:

• body of mandible almost vertical, if normal

• all seven spinous processes in profile, elevated and widely separated

• superimposed zygapophyseal joints and open intervertebral disk spaces

  

Evaluation Criteria for the Hyperextension position:

• body of mandible almost horizontal, if normal

• all seven spinous processes in profile, depressed and closely spaced

• superimposed zygapophyseal joints and open intervertebral disk spaces

The Cervical Lateral Flexion projection primarily visualizes the:

• the mandible almost vertical

• all seven spinous process in profile, elevated and widely separated (open)

The Cervical Lateral Extension projection primarily visualizes the:

• the mandible almost horizontal

• all seven spinous process in profile, depressed and closely spaced (closed)