This view should not be used in a trauma setting (to avoid manipulating a potentially unstable spine) the modified Fuchs view may be used instead instead of moving the patient's chin, the beam is angled 35-40° upward and the odontoid is targeted just under the chin (the chin is in a neutral position). More likely to avoid structures overlapping the odontoid than with the open mouth odontoid view. Three views (AP, lateral, focused lateral lumbosacral) will cover most causes of lumbar pain. The upper cervical region consists of the occiput (the back of your skull), and the C1 and C2 vertebrae, which are known as the atlas and the axis. The cervical portion of your spine is made up of 7 vertebrae. Some providers prefer longer and narrow films that include more of the lumbar spine, while others may want smaller films. A cervical X-ray, also known as a neck X-ray or a lateral neck X-ray, is an X-ray of the upper part of your spine. The entire odontoid process should be visibly to avoid obscuring anatomy. The region included will depend on the film size and centering used by the radiographer. the beam is aimed just underneath the chin.The standard Fuchs view (Figure 1 and 3) should not be used in a trauma setting and the modified Fuchs view (Figure 2) may be used instead. code’s description now reads: Radiological examination, spine, cervical 2 or 3 views. That’s due to a revision CPT made to code 72040 in an errata memo posted on the AMA website. You’ll need to adjust your coding for cervical spine X-rays. MRI scans create better images of the bodys soft tissues, such as muscles, disks, nerves, and the spinal cord.
It can also reveal degenerative changes in your cervical spine such as the loss of disk height or the presence of bone spurs. Cervical vertebra (but C1 and C2): superior view. An X-ray will show the alignment of the bones along your neck. The images below are 3D-reconstructions obtained from a scan of the cervical spine. This view focuses primarily on the odontoid process, and is useful in visualizing odontoid and Jefferson fractures. Code 72020 for cervical spine X-ray single view use 72040 for 2-3 views. 3D-Reconstruction of the Cervical Spine (CT): Anatomy.