Chapter 8: Cervical and Thoracic Spine

The joints between articular processes of vertebra are termed _____ joints. a. zygapophyseal b. fibrous c. intervertebral d.synarthrodial

a. zygapophyseal

The bony structures connected directly to the vertebral body are the: a. pedicles. b. articular processes. c. laminae. d.transverse processes.

a. pedicles.

What type of CR angle is required for posterior oblique (left posterior oblique [LPO]/right posterior oblique [RPO]) positions of the cervical spine? a. 15° cephalad b. 15° caudad c. 5° to 10° cephalad d. None. The CR is perpendicular to the image receptor (IR).

a. 15° cephalad

Which of the following clinical conditions will require a decrease in analog manual technical factors? a. Advanced osteoporosis b. Severe scoliosis c. Moderate lordosis d. Scheuermann disease

a. Advanced osteoporosis

Along with the upper incisors, what other bony landmark must be aligned for the AP open-mouth projection? a. Base of skull b. Tip of mandible c. Inferior margin of lower incisors d. Thyroid cartilage

a. Base of skull

Where is the articular pillar located on a cervical vertebra? a. Between the superior and inferior articular processes b. Between the pedicle and the body c. Between the spinous process and the lamina d. Nowhere

a. Between the superior and inferior articular processes

The most prominent aspect of the thyroid cartilage corresponds to the vertebral level of: a. C5. b. C1-2. c. C6-7. d. C7-T1.

a. C5.

A radiograph of a lateral projection (nontrauma) of the cervical spine reveals that the ramus of the mandible is superimposed over the spine. What could the technologist have done to prevent this? a. Elevate the chin to place the acanthiomeatal line (AML) parallel with the floor. b. Rotate the skull 20° to 30° toward the IR. c. Angle the CR 3° to 5° caudad. d. Have the patient hold 5 to 10 lb in each hand.

a. Elevate the chin to place the acanthiomeatal line (AML) parallel with the floor.

A patient enters the emergency department (ED) because of a motor vehicle accident (MVA). The patient is on a backboard and wearing a cervical collar. The technologist is concerned about the artifacts that the collar will project on the spine during the horizontal beam lateral projection. What should the technologist do in this situation? a. Leave the collar on during the exposure. b. Remove the cervical collar but be careful not to move the patient's head. c. Ask the patient to remove the collar herself (for liability reasons). d. Ask a nurse to remove the collar and to hold the patient's head while the technologist is initiating the exposure.

a. Leave the collar on during the exposure.

Which aspect of the intervertebral disk is composed of semigelatinous material? a. Nucleus pulposus b. Annulus fibrosus c. Conus medullaris d. Cauda equina

a. Nucleus pulposus

Which of the following statements is true for a typical adult vertebra? a. The transverse processes extend laterally from the junction of the pedicles and laminae. b. The transverse processes are present only on thoracic vertebrae containing rib connections. c. The spinous process extends posteriorly from the body of the vertebra. d. All of the above are true statements.

a. The transverse processes extend laterally from the junction of the pedicles and laminae.

T2-3 intervertebral disk space is found: a. at the level of the jugular notch. b. at the level of the sternal angle. c. at the level of the xiphoid process. d. 2 inches (5 cm) below the jugular notch.

a. at the level of the jugular notch.

What type of CR angle is recommended when performing the AP axial C-spine projection erect? a. 15° cephalad b. 20° cephalad c.15° caudad d. 25° cephalad

b. 20° cephalad

Which of the following projections will project the dens within the shadow of the foramen magnum? a. AP open mouth b. AP projection (Fuchs method) c. Twining method d. None of the above

b. AP projection (Fuchs method)

Which of the following statements is true? a. All adult vertebrae are separated by intervertebral disks. b. All thoracic vertebrae have at least one facet for rib articulation. c. The intervertebral disks are tightly bound to the vertebral bodies to prevent movement within the vertebral column. d. All of the above are true statements.

b. All thoracic vertebrae have at least one facet for rib articulation.

Which of the following is the first compensatory spinal curvature to develop in the young child? a. Thoracic b. Cervical c. Sacral d. Lumbar

b. Cervical

A radiograph of an AP open-mouth projection reveals that the base of the skull is superimposed over the dens. What positioning error led to this radiographic outcome? a. Excessive flexion of the skull b. Excessive extension of the skull c. Excessive CR angulation d. Rotation of the skull

b. Excessive extension of the skull

Which of the following will best demonstrate a compression fracture of the thoracic spine? a. AP projection b. Lateral projection c. Posterior oblique positions d. Anterior oblique positions

b. Lateral projection

Which of the following positions will best demonstrate the left zygapophyseal joints of the thoracic spine? a. LPO b. RPO c. RAO d. Lateral

b. RPO

Which of the following factors does not apply to a lateral projection of the cervical spine? a. Use a 72-inch (183-cm) SID. b. Suspend respiration upon full inspiration prior to exposure. c. Perform horizontal beam lateral projection if trauma is suspected. d. Center CR to thyroid cartilage.

b. Suspend respiration upon full inspiration prior to exposure.

Which of the following thoracic vertebra(e) possess(es) no facets for costotransverse joints? a. T9-10 b. T11-12 c. T1 d. None of the above

b. T11-12

The xiphoid process corresponds to the vertebral level of: a. T8. b. T9-10. c. T7. d. T12.

b. T9-10.

Why are the anterior oblique projections (right anterior oblique [RAO]/left anterior oblique [LAO]) preferred over the posterior oblique projections of the cervical spine? a. To make the patient more comfortable b. To reduce the thyroid dose c. To prevent overlap of the mandible over the spine d. To place the zygapophyseal joints closer to the image receptor

b. To reduce the thyroid dose

A radiograph of an AP thoracic spine projection reveals that the upper thoracic spine is overexposed. The lower vertebrae have acceptable density and contrast. Which one of the following modifications will improve the visibility of the upper thoracic spine? a. Place the upper spine under the cathode side of the tube. b. Use a compensating (wedge) filter. c. Increase the kV to decrease the contrast of the upper spine. d. Use a breathing technique.

b. Use a compensating (wedge) filter.

Along with increasing the source image receptor distance (SID), what other factor(s) will improve spatial resolution for lateral and oblique projections of the cervical spine? a. Increasing object image receptor distance (OID) b. Using a small focal spot c. Using higher kV, lower mAs d. Using a breathing technique

b. Using a small focal spot

The most posterior aspect of a typical vertebra is the: a. pedicle. b. spinous process. c. lamina. d.body.

b. spinous process.

The AP axial-vertebral arch projection may be performed to better demonstrate the: a. C1 and C1-2 atlantoaxial joint spaces. b. vertebral arch (articular pillars) of C4-7. c. open intervertebral disk spaces of C3-T1. d. dens within the foramen magnum.

b. vertebral arch (articular pillars) of C4-7.

What type of CR angulation is required for the AP axial projection for the cervical spine? a. None. CR is perpendicular to the image receptor. b. 5° to 10° cephalad. c. 15° to 20° cephalad. d. 15° to 20° caudad.

c. 15° to 20° cephalad.

The zygapophyseal joints for the thoracic spine lie at an angle of ____ in relation to the midsagittal plane. a. 45° b. 60° c. 70° to 75° d. 90°

c. 70° to 75°

What is the recommended kV range for thoracic spine projections when using digital systems? a. 70 to 80 kV b. 60 to 70 kV c. 75 to 85 kV d. 110 to 120 kV

c. 75 to 85 kV

The gonion corresponds to the vertebral level of: a. C1. b. C4-5. c. C3. d. C7.

c. C3.

A digital image taken of a lateral thoracic spine projection demonstrates poor visibility of the spine. The image was taken on a full 14- × 17-inch (35- × 43-cm) IR. The following factors were used during the exposure: 80 kV, 80 mAs, 40-inch (102-cm) SID, and collimation to the size of the IR. Which one of the following modifications will result in a more diagnostic image? a. Decrease kV. b. Decrease mAs. c. Collimate to spine. d. Increase SID.

c. Collimate to spine.

A radiograph of an RAO of the cervical spine reveals that the lower intervertebral foramina are not open. The upper vertebral foramina are well visualized. Which positioning error most likely lead to this radiographic outcome? a. Excessive CR angulation b. Insufficient CR angulation c. Insufficient rotation of the upper body d. Incorrect CR placement

c. Insufficient rotation of the upper body

Which factor is most important to open up the intervertebral joint spaces for a lateral thoracic spine projection? a. Use sufficiently high kV. b. Collimate the spine region to reduce scatter. c. Keep the vertebral column parallel to the tabletop. d. Angle the central ray (CR) 5° to 10° caudad.

c. Keep the vertebral column parallel to the tabletop.

The spinal cord tapers off to a point distally at the vertebral level of: a. lower L5. b. L3-4 intervertebral space. c. L1-2. d. L4-5 intervertebral space.

c. L1-2.

Which of the following projections will best demonstrate the C4-5 zygapophyseal joints of the cervical spine? a. AP axial b. Posterior oblique c. Lateral d. Anterior oblique

c. Lateral

A patient comes to radiology for a follow-up study for a clay shoveler's fracture. Which of the following projections will best demonstrate the extent of this fracture? a. AP cervical spine b. Lateral thoracic spine c. Lateral cervical spine d. AP axial-vertebral arch

c. Lateral cervical spine

Which imaging modality will best demonstrate herniated nucleus pulposus in the cervical spine? a. Computed tomography (CT) b. Hyperflexion and hyperextension lateral projections c. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) d. Nuclear medicine

c. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A patient enters the ED with a cervical spine injury as a result of a fall. The initial horizontal beam lateral projection reveals no subluxation or fracture. The ED physician is concerned about a whiplash injury. Which of the following routines would be most helpful in diagnosing this type of injury? a. Patient in the swimmer's lateral position b. Oblique projections of the cervical spine c. Patient in hyperflexion and hyperextension lateral positions d. AP Ottonello method

c. Patient in hyperflexion and hyperextension lateral positions

A patient comes to the radiology department for a cervical spine routine. The study is ordered for nontraumatic reasons. The AP open-mouth projection reveals that the base of the skull and upper incisors are superimposed, but they are obscuring the upper portion of the dens. On the repeat exposure, what should the technologist do to demonstrate the upper portion of the dens? a. Increase the flexion of the skull. b. Increase the extension of the skull. c. Perform the Fuchs or Judd method. d. Perform the AP chewing projection.

c. Perform the Fuchs or Judd method.

A radiograph of an AP open-mouth projection of the cervical spine reveals that the zygapophyseal joints are not symmetric. No fracture or subluxation is present. Which one of the following positioning errors most likely led to this radiographic outcome? a. Excessive CR angulation b. Insufficient CR angulation c. Rotation of the spine d. Excessive flexion of the head

c. Rotation of the spine

Which of the following pathologic conditions is defined as "a condition of the spine characterized by rigidity of a vertebral joint"? a. Spondylitis b. Ankylosing spondylitis c. Spondylosis d. Scheuermann disease

c. Spondylosis

Which of the following factors will enhance the visibility of the vertebral bodies during a lateral projection of the thoracic spine? a. Use a high kV. b. Increase SID. c. Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique. d. Flex the spine.

c. Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique.

Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal or exaggerated _____ curvature. a. concave b. convex c. lateral d. "swayback" lumbar

c. lateral

On average, how many separate bones make up the adult vertebral column? a. 33 b. 28 c.26 d.31

c.26

How much rotation of the body is required for an LAO projection of the thoracic spine (from the plane of the table)? a. 20° b. 45° c. 50° to 60° d. 70°

d. 70°

A patient comes to radiology for a thoracic spine routine. The patient has a history of arthritis of the spine. The radiologist requests that additional projections be taken to demonstrate the zygapophyseal joints. What position(s) and/or projection(s) would be ideal to demonstrate these structures? a. Pillar view projection of interest region b. Swimmer's lateral projection c. Spot AP and lateral projections of interest region d. 70° oblique projections

d. 70° oblique projections

The zygapophyseal joints for the typical cervical vertebra lie at an angle of ____ in relation to the midsagittal plane. a. 45° b. 60° c. 70° to 75° d. 90°

d. 90°

Which position or projection of the cervical spine will best demonstrate the zygapophyseal joint spaces between C1 and C2? a. Anteroposterior (AP) axial b. Lateral c. 45° posterior or anterior oblique d. AP open mouth

d. AP open mouth

Which of the following features makes the cervical vertebra unique as compared with other vertebrae of the spine? a. Transverse foramina and double (bifid) tips on spinous processes b. Overlapping vertebral bodies c. Presence of zygapophyseal joints d. All of the above

d. All of the above

Which of the following is NOT a correct evaluation criterion for the AP axial C-spine projection? a. C3-T2 vertebral bodies should be visualized. b. Spinous processes are seen to be equal distances from the vertebral body lateral borders. c. CR is at the lower margin of the thyroid cartilage. d. All of the above are correct criteria.

d. All of the above are correct criteria.

A patient comes to radiology for a follow-up study of the cervical spine. The patient had spinal fusion between C5 and C6 performed 6 months earlier. His physician wants to assess the cervical spine for anteroposterior mobility. Which of the following projections would provide this assessment? a. Cervicothoracic projection b. AP axial-vertebral arch projection c. Judd or Fuchs projection d. Hyperflexion and hyperextension projections

d. Hyperflexion and hyperextension projections

A radiograph of an AP axial projection of the cervical spine reveals that the intervertebral joints are not open. The following analog factors were used for this projection: 5° cephalad angle, 40-inch (100-cm) SID, grid, slight extension of the skull, and the CR centered to the thyroid cartilage. Which of the following modifications should be made during the repeat exposure? a. Keep the CR perpendicular to the image receptor. b. Increase the SID to 72 inches (183 cm). c. Center the CR to the gonion. d. Increase the CR angulation.

d. Increase the CR angulation.

Which of the following positions will demonstrate the left intervertebral foramina of the cervical spine? a. RAO b. Left posterior oblique (LPO) c. Lateral d. LAO

d. LAO

For an average-size adult, which of the following would receive the highest skin dose? a. AP "wagging jaw" cervical spine, 3-second exposure time b. AP thoracic spine c. Lateral cervical spine at 72-inch (183-cm) SID d. Lateral thoracic spine

d. Lateral thoracic spine

A lateral projection of the thoracic spine reveals that the upper aspect, which is a primary area of interest on this patient, is obscured by the patient's broad shoulders. Which of the following options will best demonstrate this region of the spine? a. Use a compensating (wedge) filter and repeat the exposure with increased kV. b. Angle the CR 10° to 15° cephalad. c. Perform the projection with the patient erect and holding weights in hand during exposure. d. Perform a cervicothoracic (swimmer's) lateral position.

d. Perform a cervicothoracic (swimmer's) lateral position.

A patient enters the ED due to an MVA. He is on a backboard and in a cervical collar. The initial lateral cervical spine projection demonstrates C1-6. The patient has broad and thick shoulders. Because the hospital is in a rural setting, no CT scanner is available. Which of the following modifications would best demonstrate the lower cervical spine safely? a. Repeat the exposure and increase kV. b. Repeat the exposure but ask the patient to stand up and do the lateral projection erect. c. Repeat the exposure but have a student pull down on the arms during the exposure. d. Perform the horizontal beam cervicothoracic (swimmer's) lateral position.

d. Perform the horizontal beam cervicothoracic (swimmer's) lateral position.

A radiograph of a lateral thoracic spine reveals that there is excessive density along the posterior aspect of the spine. Even with good collimation, the scatter radiation reaching the image receptor obscures the spinous processes. What can the technologist do to improve the visibility of the posterior elements of the spine? a. Use higher-speed screens and film. b. Increase the kV, lower the mAs. c. Use a higher-ratio grid. d. Place a lead mat on the tabletop just posterior to the patient.

d. Place a lead mat on the tabletop just posterior to the patient.

Which of the following best defines or describes the vertebral body of C1? a. The smallest of all vertebral bodies b. A column of bone supported by an intervertebral disk c. A large bony mass d. There is no vertebral body at C1.

d. There is no vertebral body at C1.

Kyphosis is defined as a(n): a. normal lumbar curvature. b. normal convex sacral curvature. c. normal compensatory curve of the thoracic spine. d. abnormal thoracic curvature with increased convexity

d. abnormal thoracic curvature with increased convexity

The chin is extended for a lateral projection of the cervical spine to: a. open up the C1-2 joint space. b. demonstrate the articular pillars. c. open up the intervertebral joint space. d. prevent superimposition of the mandible upon the spine

d. prevent superimposition of the mandible upon the spine

An RPO position of the cervical spine requires a 45° oblique of the body with a 15° caudad CR angle. true or false

false

The PA projection (Judd method) is intended to demonstrate the atlantoaxial joints between C1 and C2. true or false

false

The anterior oblique thoracic spine demonstrates the upside zygapophyseal joints. true or false

false

The posterior cervical oblique projections demonstrate the intervertebral foramina and pedicles on the side closest to the image receptor. true or false

false

Another term for a breathing technique during exposure is the orthostatic technique. true or false

true