National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Which X-ray is best suited to evaluate the patency of cervical intervertebral foramina?

1. Lateral cervical spine X-ray

2. Anteroposterior cervical spine X-ray

3. Cervical spine MRI

4. Oblique cervical spine X-ray

The correct answer is: Oblique cervical spine X-ray

The oblique cervical spine X-ray is the most effective method for evaluating the patency of cervical intervertebral foramina. This specific view is particularly valuable as it allows for a direct visualization of the foramina, which are the openings where spinal nerves exit from the spinal column. By using an oblique projection, the X-ray captures the foramina at an angle that enhances the visibility of the structures within them, making it easier to identify any obstructions, abnormalities, or pathologies that could be affecting nerve root function. In contrast, the lateral cervical spine X-ray primarily shows the alignment of the cervical vertebrae and can reveal general abnormalities in the cervical spine structure but lacks the angulation needed to specifically assess the foramina. The anteroposterior cervical spine X-ray provides a frontal view of the cervical vertebrae and helps evaluate overall cervical alignment and symmetry, but it is also not tailored to visualize the foramina effectively. While a cervical spine MRI is a powerful imaging tool for soft tissue evaluation, including discs and nerves, it does not offer the same focused view of the intervertebral foramina as the oblique X-ray does; instead, it is more often used when there is a need for a detailed assessment of soft