What is X-RAY CERVICAL SPINE AP LAT?

AP:
The anteroposterior (AP) cervical spine projection is part of the cervical spine series.

LAT:
Cervical spine lateral view is a lateral projection of the cervical spine.
As technology advances, computed tomography (CT) has replaced this projection, yet there remain many institutions (especially in rural areas) where CT is not readily available.

Indications

AP:
This projection helps to visualize pathology relating to C3-C7 in the anatomical position, demonstrating any compression fractures, clay-shoveler fractures, and herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP).

LAT:
This projection helps to visualize pathology involving the entire cervical spine orthogonal to the AP view and is often performed in the trauma setting. It also helps to demonstrate any adjacent soft tissue structure, osteoarthritis, and spondylosis.

Patient position

AP:

• patient positioned erect in AP position (unless trauma when the patient will be supine)
• patient shoulders should be at equal distances from the image receptor to avoid rotation
• chin should be raised to align the lower margin of the upper incisors to the mastoid tips/base of the skull (unless trauma when the patient is placed in a cervical collar)

LAT:

• the patient is supine or erect, depending on trauma or follow up
• the detector is placed portrait, running parallel to the long axis of the cervical spine on the patients left the side
• inform the patient that the image will be taken on suspended expiration

Technical factors

AP:

• anterior-posterior projection
• Centering point
  • the central ray is midline centered at the level of C4 to enter immediately below the hyoid bone
  • 15° cephalad
• Collimation
  • laterally to include the entire cervical spine
  • superiorly to include C2 and inferiorly to include T2
• Orientation
  • portrait
• Detector Size
  • 18 cm x 24 cm
• Exposure
  • 65-75 kVp
  • 8-12 mAs
• SID
  • 100cm
• Grid
  • Yes

LAT:

• Lateral projection
• Centering point
  • 2.5 cm above the jugular notch at the level of C4
• Collimation
  • superior to C1
  • inferior to T1
  • anterior to include soft tissue
  • posterior to the soft tissue
• Orientation
  • portrait
• Detector Size
  • 24 cm x 30 cm
• Exposure
  • 50-75 kVp
  • 20-40 mAs
• SID
  • 150-180 cm
• Grid
  • Yes