Thoracic Spine

Question 1

what are the unique features of the t-spine?

Answer 1

costal facets on posterior lateral sides of bodies
&
facets on transverse processes for articulation with tubercle of ribs(except for T11 & T12)

Question 2

how should breathing instructions be for all t-spine positions?

Answer 2

suspended or using breathing technique to blur lung and rib anatomy

Question 3

where should the cathode side of the tube be? why?

Answer 3

toward feet because abdomen is thicker

Question 4

what should you do with patients legs for AP?

Answer 4

eat them.

flex knees and hips to reduce kyphosis

Question 5

where should the IR be placed?

Answer 5

1.5” to 2” above shoulders to place T7 in center

Question 6

where does the CR enter for AP?

Answer 6

halfway between jugular notch and xiphoid process

Question 7

what is best demonstrated on the lateral projection?

Answer 7

intervertebral foramina

Question 8

what is best demonstrated on the obliques?

Answer 8

zygapophyseal joints

Question 9

why is a left lateral preferred?

Answer 9

minimizes heart magnification and overlapping of heart on spine

Question 10

what is the angle for a lateral projection of the spine isn’t horizontal?

Answer 10

10-15 degrees cephalad