Meaning of X-ray of cervical vertebrae C1-C2

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Tong Diu Huong - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

X-ray of cervical vertebrae is a mandatory imaging technique for all patients with suspected cervical spine injury... The purpose of X-ray of cervical vertebrae C1-C2 is to detect more prominent bone lesions that are difficult to detect with conventional radiographs.

The spine is the pillar that supports the entire body. The normal human spine will consist of 33 vertebrae and other basic components, such as discs, nerve roots, spinal cord,...
High cervical spine injury also known as C1 injury - C2 is one of the most common spinal cord injuries, according to the system, in which cervical vertebrae C1-C2 accounted for about 25% of cases. Young people between the ages of 25 and 30 and men are more susceptible to the disease than women. The most common causes of C1 - C2 cervical vertebrae injury are traffic accidents, sports accidents, collisions, falls...

X-ray of the cervical vertebrae C1 - C2 is a special imaging technique, which helps to selectively reveal the entire C1-C2 cervical vertebrae and at the same time erase the upper and lower dental arches, thanks to which doctors The doctor will accurately diagnose the condition and cause of the disease, have a timely treatment plan.
2.1 Indications and contraindications to X-ray of cervical vertebrae C1 - C2
Indications: In the case of patients with high cervical spine injury Contraindications: There are no contraindications to X-ray of cervical vertebrae C1 - C2 absolute, temporary contraindication for pregnant women

2.2 Procedure for performing X-ray of cervical vertebrae C1 - C2
Step 1: Technician prepares supplies, patient removes jewelry, necklace, earring, hairpin (if any)
Step 2: The technician places the film vertically on the X-ray machine table and fixes the film ball, adjusts the center ray to the center of the film
Step 3: The patient lies in the correct position: Lie on the back on the machine table, legs extended, arms down the body. The neck is extended so that the line connecting the 2 crests of the mastoid process and the lower border of the maxillary incisors is perpendicular to the film. In case the patient is in a sitting or standing position, the head and shoulders should rest on the filter, opening the mouth as much as possible.
Step 4: Adjust the front plane perpendicular to the film and to the center of the film vertically. Place the central beam
Step 5: Perform the scan
Step 6: Put the patient's name, orientation mark (P or T) on the right or left side, date of the scan. Observe the patient through the glasses, press the X-ray emitter knob
Step 7: Guide the patient out of the imaging room. take the film to be washed or printed for the CR/DR system.
Successful imaging results when cervical vertebrae C1-C2 are in the oral cavity and in the middle of the film, the lower border of the maxillary incisors overlaps the base of the occipital bone
X-ray of the cervical vertebrae C1-C2 is a diagnostic technique. However, if during the imaging process, the patient cannot keep still, the joint image will not be clearly revealed, so the technique will have to be re-implemented.

X-ray techniques as well as many other medical examination and treatment techniques at Vinmec International General Hospital are conducted by a team of highly qualified and experienced medical doctors; the system of advanced and modern machinery should significantly reduce radiation dose with the best image and always be updated according to medical progress in the world; Especially, professional service quality will help customers have the most comfortable and secure experience when visiting Vinmec. To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register for an online examination HERE
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