The Radiologist will usually comment on the alignment of the vertebrae and the presence or absence of any ‘wear and tear’ changes, usually related to normal aging and known as degenerative changes or osteoarthritis. The difficulty in clearing the cervical spine (i.e., excluding a fracture) in trauma patients is well known to most radiologists. Sometimes, a Radiologist may also be requested to interpret the images.Ĭ-Spine X-Rays taken in the non-urgent setting are reported by a Radiologist, and the report is usually sent to the doctor who ordered the test. Plain X-ray films, even with the best possible technique, underestimate the amount of traumatic spine injury, and lesion(s) may be missed (Fig. In cases of trauma, the cervical spine x-ray is usually interpreted immediately by an emergency doctor such as an Emergency Physician, an Orthopaedic Surgeon, or a General Surgeon involved in the care of the patient. The anatomical orientation of C01 and C12 joints, constrained by a unique array of ligaments, originates the most mobile segment of the all spine. Its main function is to support the skull and maintain the relative positions of the brain and spinal cord. X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and. The MRI (left) shows cervical stenosis at C4, C5 and C6 with a small degree of movement at C3-C4. These include diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. Postoperatively, the neurosurgeon may elect to obtain x-rays of the spine to assess alignment, status of the instrumentation and fusion and generally monitor levels of the spine adjacent to the surgery. Remember, you need all three views (lateral, AP and odontoid/open mouth view) for an adequate study. Standard X-rays are performed for many reasons. The ABCs of the cervical spine provide a helpful mnemonic to guide the systematic assessment of these x-rays. A spinal x-ray can reveal things such as spinal fractures, disk problems, infections, tumors, abnormal curvature of the spine, Scoliosis, arthritis and pretty much anything that may be impacting the spine negatively, including congenital issues that a person may be born with. The upper cervical spine, including C0C1C2, is a unique anatomical and functional unit. The cervical spine (often shortened to C-spine) is the upper part of the spine extending from the skull base to the thorax at the level of the first vertebra with a rib attached to it. What are X-rays of the spine, neck or back X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film.

Complete cervical spine x ray