ABSTRACT
Flexion. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315382210/8ca82e7c-bd07-4171-b4f5-ebaded57b5b3/content/fig2_13a.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> Extension. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315382210/8ca82e7c-bd07-4171-b4f5-ebaded57b5b3/content/fig2_13b.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>
The patient is positioned as for the lateral basic or lateral supine projection; however, erect positioning is more convenient. The patient is asked to flex the neck and tuck the chin in towards the chest as far as possible.
For the second projection, the patient is asked to extend the neck by raising the chin as far as possible.
Immobilisation can be facilitated by asking the patient to hold onto a solid object, such as the back of a chair.
The image receptor is centred on the mid-cervical region. If a CR cassette is being used, this may have to be placed transversely for the lateral projection with the neck in flexion, depending on the degree of movement and the cassette size used.
If the patient is being imaged supine, the neck can be flexed by placing pads under it. Neck extension can be achieved by placing pillows under the patient’s shoulders.
