What is X-RAY CERVICAL SPINE AP?

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

Indications

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).

Patient position

• 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)

Technical factors

• 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