In the lateral thoracic spine radiography, at what vertebral level does the central ray enter?

In the lateral thoracic spine radiography, at what vertebral level does the central ray enter?

• A. T12
• B. T7
• C. L1
• D. C7

Answer: (B)

Centering the central ray at about the level of the inferior angle of the scapula, which corresponds to the T7 vertebra, is used for a lateral thoracic spine view. This level places the thoracic vertebrae midway in the image so you can visualize roughly T1 through T12 in a true lateral. Keeping the patient in a true lateral position and moving the arms out of the way reduces the scapulae obscuring the upper thoracic vertebrae, and directing the ray perpendicular to the image receptor minimizes distortion for a clear, diagnostic projection.

Centering the central ray at about the level of the inferior angle of the scapula, which corresponds to the T7 vertebra, is used for a lateral thoracic spine view. This level places the thoracic vertebrae midway in the image so you can visualize roughly T1 through T12 in a true lateral. Keeping the patient in a true lateral position and moving the arms out of the way reduces the scapulae obscuring the upper thoracic vertebrae, and directing the ray perpendicular to the image receptor minimizes distortion for a clear, diagnostic projection.