Show Citation, DOI & article dataCitation: Nguyen, M., Murphy, A. Cervical spine (AP oblique view). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 08 Sep 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-51497 The AP oblique cervical spine projections are supplementary views to the standard AP, odontoid and lateral images in the cervical spine series and are always done bilaterally for comparison purposes. However, the PA oblique projection is preferred as it reduces radiation dose to the thyroid 1 compared to the AP oblique projection. On this page:This projection can be used to visualize pathology involving the adjacent soft tissue structures or cervical spine, especially stenosis of the intervertebral foramina. Note: Such views should not be performed on trauma patients without the strict instructions of a qualified clinician who has reviewed the lateral cervical spine image or CT of the cervical spine. Moving the patient's head or neck, or removing a cervical collar could be detrimental.
To demonstrate the intervertebral foramen of the c-spine open, it is necessary to achieve adequate rotation of the vertebral column, usually at 45°. If underrotated, the foramina will be narrowed and a sternoclavicular joint would be superimposed over the vertebral column 3. Over rotation of more than 45° would cause one pedicle to be foreshortened while the other pedicle aligns to the midline of the vertebral bodies 2. ReferencesRelated articles: Imaging in practicePromoted articles (advertising)Why is a 72Why is the lateral cervical spine projection performed with a 72-inch SID? In the lateral position, the patient's shoulders cause a large OID between the neck and the image receptor, which would create magnification and reduce spatial resolution.
Why is the FFD at 72 for a lateral cervical neutral?It is recommended that the lateral cervical X-ray be taken at a 72′ Focal film distance (FFD), or as close to this as possible, to prevent magnification of the anatomical structures that is due to the distance between the shoulder and the grid cabinet.
What is the SID for a lateral cervical spine?SID of 150 cm is used in practice for lateral imaging of the cervical spine.
What does the lateral projection of the cervical spine demonstrate?Lateral projection of the cervical spine
This projection suffices to demonstrate most traumatic conditions of the cervical spine, including injuries involving the anterior and posterior arches of C-l; the odontoid process, which is seen in profile; and the anterior atlantal-dens interval.
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