Imaging of the Cervical Spine > Technique > AP and Odontoid Views

AP and Odontoid Views

The complete radiographic examination includes AP and open-mouth views.
If there are no obvious fractures or dislocations on the lateral view and the patient's condition permits, then proceed with the AP and the open-mouth views.

It is important to obtain technically adequate films. The most frequent cause of overlooked injury is an inadequate film series. Patient should be maintained in cervical immobilization, and plain films should be repeated or CT scans obtained until all vertebrae are clearly visible.

The AP view and Odontoid view are obtained as follows: