Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Lateral cervical spine projection is best for demonstrating the extent of a clay shoveler's fracture, which typically occurs in the lower cervical vertebrae.

Question 2

Match the vertebra with the corresponding terms and/or structures. (You may use an answer more than once.)
-Axis

Accepted Answer

The Axis is the second cervical vertebra (C2) and is characterized by the presence of a bony process called the odontoid process or dens, which protrudes upward from the body of the vertebra and articulates with the atlas (C1) to allow for rotation of the head.

Answer: C
 The Atlas is the first cervical vertebra (C1) and is characterized by the absence of a body and the presence of two large lateral masses that articulate with the occipital condyles of the skull to allow for flexion and extension of the head.

Answer: A, D, E, F
 The remaining answer choices (C7, C4, T1, T7) are not cervical vertebrae and do not match the term/structure criteria for this question. C7 is a thoracic vertebra and T1 and T7 are thoracic vertebrae, while C4 is a cervical vertebra but does not have any specific structures or terms associated with it in this question.

Question 3

Match the vertebra with the corresponding terms and/or structures. (You may use an answer more than once.)
-Vertebra prominens

Accepted Answer

Vertebra prominens refers to the prominent spinous process found on the seventh cervical vertebra (C7).

Question 4

Match the vertebra with the corresponding terms and/or structures. (You may use an answer more than once.)
-Dens

Accepted Answer

The dens is located on the axis (C2) vertebra.

Answer: C 
 C1 is also known as the atlas vertebra and does not have a dens.

Answer: A 
 C7 is also known as the vertebra prominens and does not have a dens.

Answer: D 
 C4 is not associated with the dens.

Answer: E 
 T1 is a thoracic vertebra and does not have a dens.

Answer: F 
 T7 is a thoracic vertebra and does not have a dens.

Question 5

The body of C2 is labeled _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The body of C2 is labeled _____....

Question 6

The structure anterior arch of the atlas is labeled _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The structure anterior arch of the atlas...

Question 7

Which of the following will best demonstrate a compression fracture of the thoracic spine?

Accepted Answer

The lateral projection will best demonstrate a compression fracture of the thoracic spine as it allows for visualization of the vertebral body height and alignment, which can indicate the presence of a compression fracture. The other positions may provide some additional information but are not the best option for specifically demonstrating a compression fracture.

Question 8

Match the vertebra with the corresponding terms and/or structures. (You may use an answer more than once.)
-Typical cervical vertebra

Accepted Answer

Typical cervical vertebrae include C3 through C6, characterized by the presence of foramina in the transverse processes for the vertebral arteries, a small body, and bifid spinous processes. C4 falls within this range, making it a typical cervical vertebra. C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) have unique structures for head movement, C7 is the vertebra prominens with a longer spinous process and marks the transition to the thoracic vertebrae, and T1 and T7 are thoracic vertebrae with different characteristics such as rib facets.

Question 9

The structure pedicle is labeled _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The structure pedicle is labeled _____. ...

Question 10

Match the vertebra with the corresponding terms and/or structures. (You may use an answer more than once.)
-Lateral masses

Accepted Answer

The lateral masses are specific to the C1 vertebra, also known as the atlas, which supports the skull and allows for nodding movements.

Question 11

The superior articular facet is labeled _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The superior articular facet is labeled _____....

Question 12

The structure lamina is labeled _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The structure lamina is labeled _____. ...

Question 13

The structure transverse process is labeled _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The structure transverse process is labeled _____....

Question 14

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?

Accepted Answer

Performing the horizontal beam cervicothoracic (swimmer's) lateral position is the best option in this scenario. The patient's broad and thick shoulders make it difficult to obtain a clear image of the lower cervical spine with the standard lateral projection. The swimmer's lateral position allows for better visualization of the lower cervical spine by separating the shoulders from the cervical spine, reducing superimposition, and allowing for better alignment of the cervical vertebrae. This position is safe and does not require the patient to move or be manipulated. It is also a commonly used position in trauma imaging when a CT scanner is not available.

Question 15

Which imaging modality will best demonstrate herniated nucleus pulposus in the cervical spine?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best choice for demonstrating herniated nucleus pulposus in the cervical spine. This modality has excellent soft tissue contrast and is able to differentiate between normal and abnormal spinal structures, making it the most sensitive and specific imaging modality for detecting herniated discs. CT can also be used, but it has lower sensitivity and specificity compared to MRI. Hyperflexion and hyperextension lateral projections may show abnormal movement of the vertebrae but may not accurately demonstrate herniated discs. Nuclear medicine does not have a direct role in the diagnosis of herniated discs.

Question 16

Stress from a severe whiplash type of injury may cause a fracture of the structure labeled _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Stress from a severe whiplash type of...

Question 17

The structure transverse foramen is labeled _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The structure transverse foramen is labeled _____....

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The PA projection (Judd method) is intended to demonstrate the foramen magnum and occipital bone, not specifically the atlantoaxial joints between C1 and C2.

Question 19

Match the vertebra with the corresponding terms and/or structures. (You may use an answer more than once.)
-Anterior arch

Accepted Answer

The anterior arch is a structure found only in the atlas (C1). Therefore, the answer is C.

Question 20

The part vertebral foramen is labeled _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The part vertebral foramen is labeled _____....

Quiz 8: Cervical and Thoracic Spine

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?

Match the vertebra with the corresponding terms and/or structures. (You may use an answer more than once.) -Axis

Match the vertebra with the corresponding terms and/or structures. (You may use an answer more than once.) -Vertebra prominens

Match the vertebra with the corresponding terms and/or structures. (You may use an answer more than once.) -Dens