Thoracic Spine AP X-Ray on Stretcher (Trauma)
Objective
AP study of the thoracic spine in a supine trauma patient on a stretcher. Excludes vertebral fractures and pedicle injuries. Part of the spinal trauma series after cervical clearance.
Quality criteria
Pedicles visible and bilaterally symmetrical.
Disc spaces open and regular.
Central spinous line.
Vertebral bodies T1–T12 included (one or two acquisitions).
Scapulae not obscuring the mid-upper spine.
Common errors
Patient rotation — pedicle asymmetry.
Field too wide — loss of vertebral detail.
No grid in obese patient — scatter haze.
No immobilisation — motion blur.
Paziente supino — collare rigido in sede se clearance cervicale non completata. Cassetta CR piatta sotto il dorso oppure piano DR…
Full card in the app
Positioning, centring, DR/CR parameters and practical notes
