CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which projection is best for viewing cervical vertebrae for intervertebral joint spaces?

1. AP axial

2. Lateral

3. Odontoid view

4. Swimmer's view

The correct answer is: AP axial

The AP axial projection is optimal for visualizing the cervical vertebrae's intervertebral joint spaces. This technique involves angling the X-ray beam towards the patient's head, typically at about a 15 to 20-degree angle. This angle not only helps to reduce the superimposition of the cervical vertebrae but also opens up the intervertebral spaces, allowing for a clearer assessment of potential pathologies such as disc herniations, degenerative changes, or injuries that might not be as clearly seen in other projections. While the lateral view provides a good assessment of the cervical spine's overall alignment and the vertebral bodies, it may not adequately separate the intervertebral joint spaces. The odontoid view primarily focuses on visualizing the odontoid process (dens) of the second cervical vertebra and surrounding structures, and while it gives some information about the cervical spine, it does not prioritize visualization of intervertebral spaces. The swimmer's view is generally used to better visualize the lower cervical and upper thoracic regions, especially when standard views may be obscured due to shoulder superimposition, but it is not specifically designed for evaluating intervertebral joint spaces in the cervical region.