Normal Radiographic Spinal Anatomy

Daniel W. Haun, DC, DACBR

Logan College of Chiropractic

Normal Radiographic AnatomyThe Basics

• Radiographs are two-dimensional images of three-dimensional structures; much anatomical overlap occurs on radiographs.

Normal Radiographic AnatomyThe Basics

• Five basic densities– Metal – bright white– Bone – White– Water/Soft Tissue – Shades of Lighter Gray– Fat – Darker Gray– Air – Black

• Radiolucent = black• Radiopaque = white

Normal Radiographic Anatomy

Cervical Spine

AP Open Mouth

Occipital condyles

Lateral Masses C1

Transverse Process C1

Posterior Arch C1

C2 Spinous Process

C3 Spinous Process AP Open Mouth

Odontoid Process

Neutral Lateral

Cervical

C1 Anterior TubercleC1 Anterior TubercleC1 Posterior Arch and Tubercle

Odontoid Process

Vertebral Bodies

Intervertebral Discs

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

C7

Spinous Processes

Neutral Lateral

CervicalArticular ProcessesArticular Processes

Oblique Cervical

Oblique Cervical

C1 Anterior TubercleC1 Anterior Tubercle

C1 Posterior Arch and Tubercle

Pedicles

Articular ProcessesArticular Processes

Intervertebral Foramina

T1

C7

C6

C5

C4

C3

1st Ribs

T1 Transverse Process

AP Lower

Cervical

AP Lower

Cervical

T1 Transverse Process

C7 Transverse Process

C5

C6

C7

T1

C4

Articular Processes Articular Processes or Pillarsor Pillars

Spinous Processes

Uncinate Processes

1st Rib

Normal Radiographic Anatomy

Thoracic Spine

AP Thoracic

AP Thoracic

PediclesPosterior Ribs

Intervertebral DiscsTransverse Processes

T1T1

T12T12

T6T6

Lateral Thoracic

Lateral Thoracic

Intervertebral Discs

Vertebral BodiesIntervertebral

Foramina

Pedicles

T12T12

T6T6

Superior Articular Superior Articular ProcessesProcesses

Spinous Processes

Normal Radiographic Anatomy

Pelvis and Lumbar Spine

AP Pelvis

AP Pelvis

Superior Articular Superior Articular ProcessesProcesses

Inferior Articular Inferior Articular ProcessesProcesses

L5L5

Ventral Sacral Foramina

L5 Transverse Processes

Spinous Processes

Median Sacral Crest

CoccyxCoccyx

Sacroiliac Sacroiliac JointsJoints

Pubic Symphysis

AP Lumbar

AP Lumbar

Inferior Articular Inferior Articular ProcessesProcesses

Superior Articular Superior Articular ProcessesProcesses

Pedicles

Spinous ProcessesTransverse Processes

Sacroiliac Sacroiliac JointsJointsMedian Sacral Crest

Lateral Lumbar

Lateral Lumbar

Intervertebral Foramina

Inferior Articular Inferior Articular ProcessesProcesses

Superior Articular Superior Articular ProcessesProcesses

L5L5

Pedicles

Spinous Processes

Vertebral Bodies

Intervertebral Discs

SacrumSacrum

Sacral CanalSacral Canal

Oblique Lumbar

Oblique Lumbar

““Scotty Dog” Scotty Dog” AppearanceAppearance

Pedicles

Superior Articular Superior Articular ProcessesProcesses

Inferior Articular Inferior Articular ProcessesProcesses

Partes Partes InterarticularesInterarticulares

Sacroiliac JointSacroiliac Joint

Transverse Processes