![]() On the anteroposterior view of the cervical spine ( Fig. It is of the utmost importance on the lateral projection of the cervical spine that the C7 vertebra be visualized, because this is the most commonly overlooked site of injuries. The lateral radiograph may also be obtained in flexion of the neck, which is particularly effective in demonstrating suspected instability at C1-2 by allowing evaluation of the atlanto-odontoid distance an increase in this distance to more than 3 mm indicates atlantoaxial subluxation. The bodies and spinous processes of C2-7 are fully visualized, and the intervertebral disk spaces and prevertebral soft tissues can be adequately evaluated. ![]() This projection suffices to demonstrate most traumatic conditions of the cervical spine, including injuries involving the anterior and posterior arches of C1 the odontoid process, which is seen in profile and the anterior atlantal-dens interval. The single most valuable projection in these instances is the lateral view, which may be obtained in the standard fashion or with the patient supine, depending on the condition ( Fig. Radiographic examination of a patient with cervical spine trauma may be difficult and is usually limited to one or two projections because frequently the patient is unconscious, there are associated injuries, and unnecessary movement risks damage to the cervical cord.
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