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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Fuchs or Judd method is used to demonstrate the upper portion of the dens when the base of the skull and upper incisors are superimposed on the AP open-mouth projection. This method requires the patient to open their mouth widely and pull their tongue out of their mouth, which will displace the soft tissues and allow for better visualization of the dens. Increasing the flexion or extension of the skull may not solve the problem of superimposition of the base of the skull and upper incisors. The AP chewing projection is used to visualize the temporomandibular joint, and is not indicated for demonstrating the upper portion of the dens.

A Patient Comes to the Radiology Department for a Cervical