X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension View

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Depending on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan.
You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.
Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiations may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.
You may be asked to empty your bladder and pass stools before the X-ray.

Understanding X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension View

What is X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension View?

X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension View test to visualize the first seven vertebral bones (C1 - C7) of the spinal column (backbone) which are located in the neck region. It is also helpful in visualizing their intervertebral discs and the surrounding soft tissues like skin and muscles.Flexion/extension x-ray views detect subtle ligamentous injuries that are not apparent on routine static views. These specific x-rays are done in order to avoid missing an unstable injury in the cervical spine.

This test is prescribed by the doctor to find the cause of the neck pain or upper back pain that lasts for a long time, look for any injury or fracture of the spinal bones and diagnose any suspected tumors or infections of the spine.

What is X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension View used for?

To find the cause of the neck pain or upper back pain that lasts for a long time
To look for any injury or fracture of the spinal bones (vertebrae)
To diagnose any suspected tumors (abnormal growth), arthritis, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) or infections of the spine
To detect any suspected disc problems like spondylolisthesis (dislocation or slipping of one vertebra over the other), degeneration of the disc or herniated disc
To look for any abnormalities in the curvature of the spine like lordosis (excessive inward curve of spine), kyphosis (excessive outward curve of spine also known as hunch back), scoliosis (side to side abnormal curvature) or birth defects

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension View

Frequently Asked Questions about X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension View

Q. What are the drawbacks of a bone X-ray?

X-ray images give a very clear view of the bones. However, it does not provide a good visual image of the soft tissues like tendons, muscles or fat tissue under the skin. Even the bone microfractures or complicated spine injuries are not clearly visible on the X Ray images. Apart from this, it also exposes the patient to some amount of radiations but the benefit of the information gained from an X-ray image outweighs the risk of radiations.

Q. Who interprets the X-ray results?

The interpretation of an X-Ray image is carried out by a radiologist who analyses or reads the X-ray image and prepares a report of the findings which is shared with the patient.