What is X-RAY CERVICAL SPINE 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

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

• 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

• 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