← Diagnostic Imaging class notes
FROM MY PT SCHOOL NOTES · DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING · UNIT 2 · CHAPTER 05
Cervical spine
Review the relevant anatomy and imaging question before deciding what the finding may mean for rehabilitation.
Key imaging concepts
- Recognize lordotic alignment, vertebral bodies, disc spaces and posterior elements on standard projections. The upper cervical region has distinct anatomy around C1-C2.
- Trauma imaging decisions require a validated rule in the correct setting; the Canadian C-spine rule and NEXUS are not generic screens for atraumatic pain.
- MRI is useful for suspected cord, marrow, ligament or neural pathology when clinically warranted.
PT clinical connection
New progressive weakness, myelopathic signs, or suspected instability should change the plan immediately.
High-yield distinction
Trauma rules require trauma settings: Canadian C-spine and NEXUS are not general rules for chronic or atraumatic neck pain.
Course source: 5 Cervical Spine.pdf; 1 Common Fractures.pdf. These are educational notes, not image reading certification or a substitute for an official report. Imaging orders and interpretation rights vary with professional scope and state law; image examples must be clinically verified and properly licensed.
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