- Discussion:
- demonstrates lateral masses (pillars)
-
pillar frx is usually visible in inferior articulating facet of involved mass;
- pillar frx is usually visible in the appropriate oblique projection;
- however, it may not be apparent in
oblique projection if
fragments are neither displaced nor depressed or if vertical
plane of frx line does not coincide w/ obliquity of projections;
- pillar view, because it is designed to depict lateral mass en face, is
required to evaluate presence of articular mass frx;
- frx typically extends vertically thru articular mass & separate
fragment, or fragments, may be depressed or displaced laterally;
- Technique:
- is obtained in AP or
Oblique projections;
- patient is supine
- neck is hyperextended;
- central beam is directed to center of neck at thyroid cartilage with
caudal angulation of 30-35 degrees;
- to obtain oblique pillar views, the patient is in the same position
w/ head rotated 45 deg toward the unaffected side;
- beam is directed w/ 35-40 deg caudal angulation to lateral side of
neck about 3 cm below the earlobe;
