Every Radiologic Technologist will always perform the vertebral column radiography, which includes the x-ray of the cervical spine, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and coccyx spine; so it is, therefore, important to remember the following tips that are listed below.
By following these tips, rest assured that repeat exposures will be avoided, as well as, no added extra unnecessary dose to patients.
Read them below:
- All radiographic examinations of the vertebral column include AP and lateral projections; oblique projections may be required or optional
- The spine should be parallel with the long axis of the cassette for most projections
- Instability of the injured cervical spine is a significant factor with respect to patient care and positioning
- The cross-table lateral cervical spine is the initial projection obtained following trauma
- Hyperflexion/hyperextension studies of the cervical and lumbar spine may be performed to evzluate AP mobility or potential instability as a result of injury, surgery or disease
- A scoliosis series is performed to evaluate lateral curvature of the vertebral column; the PA projections is preferred to the AP to minimize dose to the radiosensitive breast
- To minimize magnification, a 72 inches SID should be used for lateral and oblique cervical spine and scoliosis films
- Although breathing instructions vary according to the area of interest, in general, the lateral cervical and all lumbar spine projections are obtained during suspended expiration; the thoracic projections may be obtained during shallow breathing
- The kVp used for the vertebral column ranges from 60 to 100, depending on the AOI and paitne tposition
- Although all other projections of the vertebral column should be obtained using a grid, the oblique and lateral cervical spine projections may be obtained without a grid due to increased OID which result to an air-gap technique
- The anode-heel effect and compensating filters may be used to produce a more uniform density for thoracic spine and scoliosis studies.
