Cervical__Spine__Anatomy

Basic Concepts of Radiographic Imaging

• Radiograph: A 2-D image of a 3-D object.

• Importance of multiple views: "One View is No View" - at least 2 views perpendicular to each other required for accuracy.

Relative Densities on a Radiograph

• Identified Densities:

  • Air

  • Fat

  • Soft Tissue/Fluid

  • Bone

  • Metal

• Density Scale: Least Dense (Air) to Most Dense (Metal).

General Terminology

• X-Ray Film (conventional radiography):

  • The medium used to capture the radiographic image.

  • Composed of silver bromide crystals in gelatin on a polyester support base.

• Radiograph: The resultant image after x-ray exposure.

• Radiographic Examination: The process and positioning involved in obtaining a radiograph.

Body Part Terminology

• Anatomical Terms:

  • Anterior (Ventral)

  • Posterior (Dorsal)

  • Caudad (Inferior)

  • Cephalad (Superior)

  • Proximal, Central, Distal, Lateral, Medial.

• Radiographic Projections:

  • The path of the central ray through the body during imaging.

  • Examples: APOM (Anterior-Posterior Open Mouth), AP Cervical, Lateral Cervical.

Standard Views for Cervical Spine

• Routine Projections include:

  • APOM

  • AP Cervical (lower cervical)

  • Lateral Cervical (neutral)

• Additional Views: Lateral Cervical Flexion and Extension, Cervical Obliques.

Case Studies

• Study involves patients who experienced neck pain due to car accidents; assessment through standard cervical radiographic views.