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Diagnosis

Cervical spine x-rays are often used to detect small fractures or misalignment of the vertebrae. These x-rays generally include 3 standard views: AP (anteroposterior), or frontal view; lateral (side view); and a third view that allows the radiologist to see the structure (odontoid or dens) that comes from the second vertebra and fits into the socket formed by the back of the first vertebra. To see this important structure, the mouth is open to eliminate shadows from the teeth and th...Read the full article