What projection is commonly used to screen the cervical spine after trauma?

• A. AP cervical spine radiograph
• B. Lateral cervical spine radiograph
• C. Odontoid (open mouth) view
• D. Flexion-extension views

Answer: (B)

Screening the cervical spine after trauma focuses on quickly assessing alignment and stability. The lateral cervical spine projection provides the clearest sagittal view of all seven vertebrae, showing how the vertebral bodies align, the spaces between them, and any anterior or posterior displacement. It also reveals prevertebral soft-tissue swelling, which can indicate injury. Because it can be obtained rapidly and without requiring neck rotation, it serves as the standard initial trauma screen for the cervical spine. Other views have specific roles but aren’t as effective for a single initial screen: the odontoid view isolates the C1–C2 region and may miss injuries elsewhere; the AP view provides less reliable assessment of alignment due to overlapping structures; flexion-extension views are dynamic and carry a risk in acute trauma, so they’re used later if stability is established.