Optimising neck radiographs

A complete radiographic investigation of the cervical spine involves laterolateral views of the occiput to T1 (8 cervical segments) and oblique lateral projections of abnormal articulations. An appreciation of vertebral anatomy and biomechanics is vital: the head should be held in a neutral position, as elevation reduces intervertebral foramina size in the caudal articulations. Roll and yaw of the neck should be avoided as they artefactually increase the size of articular process joint (APJ) margins. This author recommends the following positioning technique – remove any mud from the neck, position the horse so it is standing square. Complete assessment requires 4– views: corresponding tape skin markers are placed on each side of the neck denoting the centre of the imaging plate, each plate overlaps by 30%, at a level 1–2 cm above the cranial tubercle of transverse processes of the vertebrae. The handler should stand immediately in front of the horse, holding the muzzle level with the shoulder, looking at the ears to ensure their tips are level, and between the ears to see an equal amount of shoulder and then rump on each side ...