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Radiology
intermediate
X-Type

Spine Imaging: Systematic Interpretation

Spine Imaging

A trauma patient presents following a high-speed MVA with neck pain. The registrar is asked to systematically assess the cervical spine imaging and discuss the key features to evaluate. Regarding spine imaging interpretation:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Cervical spine X-ray assessment follows the ABCs: Alignment (anterior/posterior vertebral lines, spi...

B

CT is superior to X-ray for detecting cervical fractures (sensitivity greater than 98% vs 52%); CT i...

C

The atlanto-dens interval (ADI) should be less than 5mm in adults; the Powers ratio is used to asses...

D

The atlanto-dens interval (ADI) should be less than 3mm in adults (less than 5mm in children); the P...

E

For lumbar spine imaging: Modic changes on MRI indicate vertebral endplate/marrow changes (Type 1 oe...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option