ABSTRACT
Positioning for lateral erect cervical spine projection. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315382210/8ca82e7c-bd07-4171-b4f5-ebaded57b5b3/content/fig2_9a.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>
The patient stands or sits with either shoulder against the CR cassette or vertical digital detector system (a grid may be employed depending on department protocols and patient size).
The median sagittal plane should be adjusted such that it is parallel to the image receptor.
The head should be flexed or extended such that the angle of the mandible is not superimposed over the upper anterior cervical vertebra or the occipital bone does not obscure the posterior arch of the atlas.
To aid immobilisation, the patient should stand with the feet slightly apart and the shoulder resting against the detector stand.
In order to demonstrate the lower cervical vertebra, the shoulders should be depressed. This can be achieved by asking the patient to relax the shoulders downwards. The process can be aided by asking the patient to hold a weight in each hand (if they are capable) and making the exposure on arrested expiration.
