normal flexion extension cervical spine x rays

In addition to the measurement systems of Meyerding and Taillard, several radiographic measurements have been proposed in evaluating lateral lumbosacral spine radiographs in cases of spondylolisthesis but are not as commonly used. At a pars interarticularis defect, dystrophic sclerosis and attenuation may be seen. include bony condensation and sclerosis of the anterior portion of the S1 superior endplate and posterior portion of the L5 inferior endplate, a bony protuberance at the posterior part of the S1 endplate, and convexity of the S1 superior endplate. Dystrophic changes described by Vialle et al. Dysplastic changes related to spondylolisthesis include abnormalities of the pars interarticulari (defects or elongation), spina bifida, posterior element hypoplasia, rounding of the superior endplate of S1 and posterior wedging of L5. In some cases, particularly in the pars interarticularis, dystrophic changes may not be distinguishable from dysplastic changes evaluation of the remaining vertebral body elements is often helpful in these instances. Dysplastic changes reflect abnormal development of the spinal elements, while dystrophic changes reflect sequelae of spondylolisthesis which occur in areas that had originally developed normally. Most of the radiographic measurements related to spondylolisthesis are performed on lateral views.ĭysplastic or dystrophic changes may be detected on radiographs in patients with spondylolisthesis. The portion of the neural arch between the superior and inferior articular facets, the pars interarticularis (plural, pars interarticulari Latin plural partes interarticulares) can be seen, of particular interest in spondylolisthesis (Fig. Vertebral anatomic landmarks demonstrated on lateral radiographs include the pedicles, superior and inferior articular facets, facet joints, neural foramina, intervertebral disc spaces, and spinous processes. Alternatively the midpoints of the anterior aspects of the vertebral bodies should be smoothly aligned (Fig. With rotation, two posterior vertebral body cortices may be evident at the rotated levels a line connecting the midpoints of the spaces between these cortices can be visualized and should again form a smooth curve when the alignment is normal. However, lateral views are often compromised by patient rotation. Optimal positioning yields a single line denoting the posterior cortex of each vertebral body a line along these posterior cortices will form a smooth, uninterrupted curve when the vertebral alignment is normal. Vertebral body alignment and height are best assessed on well-positioned lateral radiographs (Fig.

Normal flexion extension cervical spine x rays