Chapter 8

EXERCISE 2: WHAT STRUCTURE IS THIS?

Exercise 2 Objective: Teach the user to recognize radiographic anatomy correctly on the normal radiographs of the routine evaluation of the cervical lumbar spine.

Exercise type: 2: What Structure is This?

Instruction: User will look at the highlighted structure and identify it from a list of five possibilities. Remember, as per viewing convention, the patient is facing you in anatomic position. The patient’s left side is on your right-hand side.

View: Anteroposterior Lumbar Spine

What structure is this?

A. L2 vertebral body

B. L3 left pedicle

C. Sacral base

D. L5 spinous process

E. Left sacroiliac joint

Question Rationale: The superior end of the sacrum is its base.

What structure is this?

A. L2 vertebral body

B. L3 left pedicle

C. Sacral base

D. L5 spinous process

E. Left sacroiliac joint

Question Rationale: L5 is identified by its articulation to the sacral base; the spinous process is midline and sharply defined by its osseous margins.

What structure is this?

A. L2 vertebral body

B. L3 left pedicle

C. Sacral base

D. L5 spinous process

E. Left sacroiliac joint

Question Rationale: The sacroiliac joint is represented by the radiolucent area between the sacral ala and the ilium.

What structure is this?

A. L2 vertebral body

B. L3 left pedicle

C. Sacral base

D. L5 spinous process

E. Left sacroiliac joint

Question Rationale: L 2 is identified by counting down from ...