ChestAnkleFemurFootKneeTib-FibToesClavicleElbowFingerForearmHandHumerusShoulderThumbWristCervical Spine
Lateral Cervical Spine
Position the Patient
- Upright
- Left side against IR
- Chin raised slightly
- Shoulders lowered
- Head straight
Words That Work
“Stand with your left side against the board and let your arms hang naturally. Keep your head in a true side position—like posing for a profile picture—and look straight ahead without turning or tilting. Lift your chin slightly so your jaw clears your upper neck. Take a breath in, breathe all the way out, and let your shoulders slide down away from your ears, as if reaching your fingertips toward the floor. This helps us see the lower neck. Hold still.”
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Lateral cervical spine positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- C4
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Base of skull to T1
- Set the distance
- SID
- 72"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 70-85 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •C7 not visible (shoulders not depressed enough)
- •Mandible covering the upper spine
- •Using 40-inch SID instead of 72 inches
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Base of skull to T1 vertebrae
- Soft tissue neck
Does the image pass?
- ✓C7 clearly visible
- ✓Mandible not covering spine
- ✓No rotation