spine · Lateral
Cervical Spine Lateral
Patient erect, lateral, shoulder against IR; or cross-table supine in trauma.
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How to perform this view
- 01
Position patient in lateral with shoulder touching stand.
- 02
Raise chin slightly to clear mandible.
- 03
Depress shoulders - hold weights in each hand or pull arms down.
- 04
Use 150-180 cm SID to reduce magnification.
- 05
CR horizontal to C4.
- 06
Expose on full expiration.
Anatomical & patient position
Patient: Patient erect, lateral, shoulder against IR; or cross-table supine in trauma.
Part: MSP parallel; shoulders depressed (weights or traction) to show C7.
Central ray & centring point
Horizontal, perpendicular to C4 (thyroid cartilage level).
Exposure factors
kVp
75-85 kVp
mAs
10-15 mAs
SID
150-180 cm
IR size
24 x 30 cm portrait
Grid
Yes
Respiration
Full expiration (to depress shoulders)
Clinical indications
- Trauma - first view in suspected C-spine injury
- Spondylosis, alignment
- Prevertebral swelling
Contraindications & precautions
- Pregnancy (relative) - confirm LMP / 10-day rule, justify exposure and shield where possible
- Do not remove collar or move head in trauma until cleared
Structures shown & evaluation criteria
- C1-C7 and C7/T1 junction
- Anterior/posterior vertebral lines
- Zygapophyseal joints superimposed