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spine · Lateral
Cervicothoracic Lateral (Swimmer's)
Patient erect or supine, lateral.
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AI Patient · KV Sir
How to perform this view
- 01
Position lateral; raise arm closest to IR over head.
- 02
Depress opposite shoulder.
- 03
CR to T1 (2.5 cm above jugular notch).
- 04
Use 3-5 deg caudad if shoulders cannot be separated.
- 05
Expose.
Anatomical & patient position
Patient: Patient erect or supine, lateral.
Part: Arm nearest IR raised above head; opposite shoulder depressed.
Central ray & centring point
Perpendicular to T1, or 3-5 deg caudad.
Exposure factors
kVp
80-90 kVp
mAs
20-40 mAs
SID
150 cm
IR size
24 x 30 cm
Grid
Yes
Respiration
Suspended / breathing technique
Clinical indications
- Visualise C7-T1 when not seen on lateral C-spine
Contraindications & precautions
- Suspected unstable spinal injury - do NOT move neck/spine; use cross-table lateral first and keep collar (move arm only if permitted)
- Pregnancy (relative) - confirm LMP / 10-day rule, justify exposure and shield where possible
Structures shown & evaluation criteria
- C5-T3 between humeral heads