These spaces should be approximately equal in height increase as we come lower down. The vertebral bodies are spaced apart by the intervertebral discs – not directly visible with X-rays. Otherwise, a swimmer’s view may be acquired.Īnterior line or the line of the anterior longitudinal ligament, the posterior line the line of the posterior longitudinal ligament formed by connecting posterior margins of cervical vertebrae] and the spinolaminar line or the line formed by the anterior edge of the spinous processes are checked for continuity.Ĭortical outline of all the bones should be checked for fractures. If T1 is not visible then a repeat image with the patient’s shoulders lowered. A normal cervical spine x-ray – Lateral ViewĪll vertebrae are visible should be visible from skull base to the top of T1 is considered adequate. Prevertebral shadow is studied for any increase in width. Disc spaces are looked for any reduction of space. Vertebrae are studied for smooth cortical outline and height. Normal cervical spine x-ray would reveal a smooth lordotic curve and any loss of lordosis indicates spasm. Next, alignment of the vertebrae is looked for.
In a lateral view first thing to look for is if the cervical spine is adequately covered in the view. The lateral view is often the most informative image.
It must be noted that normal cervical spine x-rays do not exclude significant injury.
Seventh cervical vertebra or C7 is also called vertebra prominens. The spine begins with C1 vertebra which is also called Atlas. It is formed by first 7 vertebrae of the spine numbered from C1 to C7. The cervical spine is the part of the spine that is present in the neck region. Last Updated on JNormal Cervical Spine X-ray