C-Spine (Trauma)
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View 2 of 4

AP

IMAGE RECEPTOR
Patient position
Supine on backboard, c-collar in place. DO NOT REMOVE COLLAR.
Part position
Patient remains immobilized; tube and detector move, patient does not.
Central ray
Horizontal beam to C4 (lateral); 15° cephalic to C4 (AP axial).
IR placement
24x30 cm or 30x35 cm.

Tech pearls

  • If C7/T1 not seen on lateral, MUST do Swimmer's BEFORE clearing collar.
  • Pull arms down gently to drop shoulders without rotating spine.