Question 1

Foraminal encroachment in the cervical spine would most likely result in which of the following symptoms?&#10;A) Radiating arm pain&#10;B) Cauda equina&#10;C) Loss of proprioception&#10;D) Neck stiffness

Accepted Answer

Foraminal encroachment in the cervical spine often leads to nerve root compression, which can manifest as radiating arm pain due to the affected nerves that supply the arm.

Question 2

What radiographic view is used to screen for fracture or dislocation in the cervical spine?&#10;A) Lateral flexion-extension view&#10;B) Anteroposterior upper cervical spine view&#10;C) Anteroposterior lower cervical spine view&#10;D) Cross-table lateral view

Accepted Answer

The cross-table lateral view is the primary radiographic view used to screen for fractures or dislocations in the cervical spine. It provides a clear view of the vertebral bodies, intervertebral disc spaces, and the integrity of the spinal canal, making it essential for initial assessment of cervical spine trauma.

Question 3

Degenerative disk disease is seen on the lateral radiograph as a decrease in disk space height. On MRI it is characterized by:&#10;A) Ossified discs&#10;B) Dehydrated discs&#10;C) High signal intensity&#10;D) Inflammation of disks

Accepted Answer

Degenerative disk disease on MRI is characterized by dehydrated discs, which show up as low signal intensity on T2-weighted images due to the loss of water content in the nucleus pulposus.

Question 4

The hallmarks of degenerative joint disease in the cervical spine include decreased joint space, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophytosis of the:&#10;A) Intervertebral disks&#10;B) Vertebral bodies&#10;C) Facet joints&#10;D) Pedicles

Accepted Answer

Facet joints are the primary sites of degenerative changes in the cervical spine, leading to decreased joint space, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophytosis.

Question 5

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. Please identify the following view:&#10;A) Anteroposterior&#10;B) AP open mouth&#10;C) AP lower cervical spine&#10;D) Lateral

Accepted Answer

The "AP open mouth" view is a specific X-ray view used to visualize the odontoid process and the lateral masses of C1 and C2 vertebrae, which is typically done with the mouth open to allow a clear view of these structures.

Question 6

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. What is most significant to identify on this view?&#10;A) Position of the mandible&#10;B) The C1-C2 disc space&#10;C) Symmetry of the C1-C2 articulation&#10;D) Cervical lordosis

Accepted Answer

The symmetry of the C1-C2 articulation is most significant to identify in this view to assess for alignment and potential dislocation or subluxation, which can indicate serious injury or pathology.

Question 7

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. What plane is this CT of the cervical spine?&#10;A) Lateral&#10;B) Sagittal&#10;C) Coronal&#10;D) Axial

Accepted Answer

The answer of  &#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. What plane...

Question 8

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. The spinal canal is visible in its full anteroposterior diameter. Why is this possible?&#10;A) This slice is reformatted at the midline&#10;B) Bony pedicles and lamina are not well visualized on CT&#10;C) The spinal cord has a greater density than the spinal canal&#10;D) The spinal canal is only visible on an axial view.

Accepted Answer

This slice is reformatted at the midline, allowing the spinal canal to be visible in its full anteroposterior diameter on the image.

Question 9

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. This image is made in what plane?&#10;A) Axial&#10;B) Coronal&#10;C) Sagittal&#10;D) Oblique

Accepted Answer

The image is made in the sagittal plane because it shows a side view of the body.

Question 10

&#10;&#10;-Refer to the figure. The anterolisthesis of C6 on C7 has resulted in abnormal compression of the:&#10;A) Spinal cord&#10;B) Spinal nerve root&#10;C) Intervertebral disk&#10;D) Vertebral body

Accepted Answer

Anterolisthesis of C6 on C7 typically results in the forward displacement of the C6 vertebra over C7, which can lead to compression of the spinal cord located within the vertebral canal.

Deck 7: Radiologic Evaluation of the Cervical Spine