Which views are used to assess cervical spine stability?

Which views are used to assess cervical spine stability?

• A. AP view only
• B. Lateral view with flexion and extension views
• C. Oblique views only
• D. Odontoid view only

Answer: (B)

Assessing cervical spine stability relies on watching how the vertebrae move relative to each other, not just how they look at rest. A lateral view by itself shows alignment in the sagittal plane, but stability is best evaluated with dynamic imaging. Flexion and extension views add motion, exposing abnormal translation or excessive angular motion that suggests ligamentous injury or instability. Other projections like the odontoid view focus on C1–C2 alignment, oblique views mainly assess foramina and facet joints, and an AP view alone doesn’t reveal the necessary sagittal movement. So, the lateral view with flexion and extension views is the most informative for stability assessment.

Assessing cervical spine stability relies on watching how the vertebrae move relative to each other, not just how they look at rest. A lateral view by itself shows alignment in the sagittal plane, but stability is best evaluated with dynamic imaging. Flexion and extension views add motion, exposing abnormal translation or excessive angular motion that suggests ligamentous injury or instability. Other projections like the odontoid view focus on C1–C2 alignment, oblique views mainly assess foramina and facet joints, and an AP view alone doesn’t reveal the necessary sagittal movement. So, the lateral view with flexion and extension views is the most informative for stability assessment.