Question 1

The most commonly fractured bones at the thoracic spine involve the:&#10;A) Cervicothoracic region&#10;B) Midthoracic region&#10;C) Thoracolumbar region&#10;D) Lumbosacral region

Accepted Answer

The thoracolumbar region is the most commonly fractured area at the thoracic spine due to its biomechanical and anatomical transition between the rigid thoracic spine and the more flexible lumbar spine, making it more susceptible to injury.

Question 2

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. What radiographic view is this?&#10;A) AP&#10;B) Lateral&#10;C) Oblique&#10;D) Coronal

Accepted Answer

This is a lateral view, which is determined by the side profile orientation of the anatomy in the image, showing structures as they appear from the side.

Question 3

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. The appearance of the osseous deformity infers what mechanism of injury?&#10;A) Extension&#10;B) Hyperextension&#10;C) Flexion&#10;D) Side-bending

Accepted Answer

The appearance of an osseous deformity typically infers a flexion mechanism of injury, which is common in certain types of fractures or dislocations.

Question 4

&#10;&#10;-The eighth and ninth vertebral deformity is associated with osteoporosis and the most likely diagnosis is:&#10;A) Vertebral compression fractures&#10;B) Tuberculosis of the spine&#10;C) Herniated nucleus pulposus&#10;D) Osteomyelitis of the spine

Accepted Answer

Vertebral compression fractures are commonly associated with osteoporosis, as the disease weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures even with minor stress or trauma.

Question 5

&#10;&#10;-The radiologic evaluation of scoliosis uses the erect side-bending views to assess:&#10;A) Bone age at the vertebral ring apophyses&#10;B) Structural versus nonstructural curves&#10;C) The Cobb value for the convexity&#10;D) The Cobb value for the concavity

Accepted Answer

Erect side-bending views in the radiologic evaluation of scoliosis are used to differentiate between structural and nonstructural (functional) curves. Structural curves are fixed and do not correct with side bending, indicating a true deformity of the spine. Nonstructural curves, on the other hand, are flexible and will correct or significantly improve on side-bending views, indicating that the curve is due to a temporary condition or compensatory mechanism rather than a fixed spinal deformity.

Question 6

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. What imaging modality and view is this?&#10;A) Lateral radiograph&#10;B) Sagittal CT&#10;C) Coronal MRI&#10;D) Sagittal MRI

Accepted Answer

This is a sagittal MRI, identifiable by the detailed differentiation of soft tissues, including the spinal cord, vertebrae, and intervertebral discs, which is characteristic of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the sagittal plane.

Question 7

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. Observe the spinal canal. The spinal canal would be described on this patient as:&#10;A) Patent at all levels&#10;B) Effaced at all levels

Accepted Answer

A spinal canal that is described as "patent at all levels" means that it is open and unobstructed throughout its length, which is the normal condition.

Question 8

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. What modality and sequence is this? Hint: Remember to look where you expect to see fluid.&#10;A) T1-weighted CT&#10;B) T2-weighted CT&#10;C) T1-weighted MRI&#10;D) T2-weighted MRI

Accepted Answer

This is a T2-weighted MRI because fluid appears bright (hyperintense), which is characteristic of T2-weighted images in MRI.

Question 9

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. What vertebrae has undergone complete destruction?&#10;A) Seventh cervical vertebra&#10;B) Eighth cervical vertebra&#10;C) First thoracic vertebra&#10;D) Second thoracic vertebra

Accepted Answer

Humans have only seven cervical vertebrae, so the eighth cervical vertebra does not exist. The first thoracic vertebra is the correct answer as it is the one that follows the seventh cervical vertebra and is a common site for vertebral destruction due to various causes such as trauma or disease processes.

Question 10

&#10;&#10;-In all age groups, __________________________of the vertebral bodies are the most common spinal injuries detected on radiographs.&#10;A) herniated nucleus pulposus&#10;B) anterior compression fracture&#10;C) spondylolisthesis&#10;D) Schmorl's nodes

Accepted Answer

Anterior compression fractures are the most common type of spinal injuries detected on radiographs across all age groups. This type of fracture typically results from axial compression and flexion forces acting on the vertebral body, leading to its anterior part being compressed and fractured.

Deck 9: Radiologic Evaluation of the Thoracic Spine, Sternum, and Ribs