Bony trabecular patterns and cortical outlines are sharply defined.Shutter B: Open to show the soft tissue of the neck anteriorly.Shutter A: Open to show the EAMs superioly and the T1 inferiorly.Also the anterior soft tissue of the neck and airway are seen. All of the cervical vertebrae are shown, including the intervertebral foramina, as well as T1.The intervertebral disc spaces are seen open.Correct central ray angulation is evidenced by.No superimposition of the mandible over the cervical vertebrae.Correct positioning of the patient's chin is evidenced by.The pedicles are seen in the anterior half of the vertebral body (see notes below).The intervertebral foramen are open, tear drop shaped and increase in size from C2 down to C7.Correct obliquity (45 degree rotation of the cervical spine) is evidenced by.Angle the patient so that their back and neck make a 45 degree angle with the bucky.Position the patient in an AP position against the upright bucky.Ensure the chin is up slightly to avoid superimposition over the cervical spine.Angle the patient so that their chest and neck make a 45 degree angle with the bucky.Position the patient against the upright bucky in a PA position.Note that the patient should not be moved or asked to move into position in the case of trauma until the possibility of spinal injury has been ruled out. Gonadal (check your department's policy guidelines) Shutter B: Open to include the soft tissue of the neck laterally Shutter A: Open so that the light of the collimated field just includes the top of the ear. Posterior Obliques - 15 degrees cephalad (up)Ĭentre: C4, collimate to the 18 x 24cm film size This larger distance helps overcome the OID (object to image receptor distance) to reduce magnification and improve the sharpness of the image.Īnterior Obliques - 15 degrees caudad (down) (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer) Vertebrae of the cervical spine, C1 through to C7, as well as the thoracic vertebra T1, the soft tissues of the neck No superimposition of the mandible over the cervical vertebraeRadiographic Positioning

Oblique upper cervical spine x ray