Radiography of the Spinal Column

Radiography Procedures

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Simulation
Quiz

This module teaches you how to prepare for, set up and obtain radiographic images of the spinal column. Including both practice and test modes, the online procedure simulator offers three different scenarios that might be encountered in a clinical setting.

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X-ray imaging of the spine is often used in cases of significant trauma, with elderly patients, or to assist diagnosis of infection, malignancy or abnormality. This module teaches you how to prepare for, set up and obtain radiographic images of the spinal column. Including both practice and test modes, the online procedure simulator offers three different scenarios that might be encountered in a clinical setting. This module offers students and practitioners the knowledge, cognitive skills and a safe practice environment to obtain radiographs of the spinal column accurately, in preparation for working with real X-ray equipment and patients. If you are studying for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) registry exams, this module is ideal.

You’ll learn

to practice, perfect and test your skills in obtaining X-rays of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx regions of the spine
to better visualize and understand the anatomy of the spine with our 3D anatomical model
to identify the indications and contraindications for performing radiographic procedures of the spine
how to manage the requirements of trauma and pediatric patients
how to position a patient to obtain optimal images of the spine
much more (see “content details” for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment and room preparation

Step 1.2 - Patient preparation

Step 1.3 - Technologist preparation

Step 2 - Cervical spine

Step 2.1 - Routine projections

Step 2.2 - Trauma considerations

Step 2.3 - Pediatrics

Step 3 - Thoracic spine

Step 3.1 - Routine projections

Step 3.2 - Trauma

Step 3.3 - Pediatrics

Step 4 - Lumbar spine

Step 4.1 - Routine projections

Step 4.2 - Trauma

Step 4.3 - Pediatrics

Step 5 - Sacrum

Step 5.1 - Routine projections

Step 5.2 - Trauma

Step 5.3 - Pediatrics

Step 6 - Coccyx

Step 6.1 - Routine projections

Step 6.2 - Trauma

Step 6.3 - Pediatrics

Discuss indications for radiographic procedures of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx of the spine
Describe and utilize radiographic positioning terminology
Describe the anatomical details of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, and the sacrum and coccyx
Discuss cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx protocols
Describe positioning criteria and anatomical landmarks for each of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx spine projections
Discuss the radiographic requirements for cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx with regards to trauma and pediatric patients
Analyze the radiographs for quality and correct positioning criteria
Discuss pathology of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, and the sacrum and coccyx
Explain the Patient's Bill of Rights, HIPAA Privacy Rule, and Patient Safety Act

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long