C-spine - Inadequate lateral
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C-spine - Inadequate lateral
- To be considered adequate a lateral C-spine X-ray should include the skull base superiorly and the cervico-thoracic junction inferiorly
- On this image the cervico-thoracic junction (C7/T1) is obscured by structures of the shoulder
- Following full assessment of the image provided further imaging should be performed either by repeating the image with the shoulders lowered or by performing a 'swimmer's' view
C-spine - Swimmer's view
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C-spine - Swimmer's view
- The swimmer's view allows assessment of the cervico-thoracic junction, which is normal in this case
C-spine - Inadequate lateral
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C-spine - Inadequate lateral
- This lateral view does not show C7/T1. Further imaging is required
C-spine - Lateral with arms pulled downwards
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C-spine - Lateral with arms pulled downwards
- (Same patient as image above)
- A repeat image - with the shoulders lowered - demonstrates a significant injury not shown on the initial image above
- This image shows loss of vertebral alignment, widening of the facet joints at C6/7 and subtle fractures
- Post-traumatic imaging of the cervical spine should include adequate images of the cervico-thoracic junction, with CT if necessary