CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which position of the cervical vertebral column best demonstrates the left intervertebral foramen when the CR is angled 15-20 degrees cephalad?

1. RAO

2. LAO

3. LPO

4. RPO

The correct answer is: RPO

The position that best demonstrates the left intervertebral foramen when the central ray is angled 15-20 degrees cephalad is the right posterior oblique position (RPO). In the RPO position, the individual is rotated such that the right side of the body is closer to the image receptor, allowing the left intervertebral foramen to open up. This occurs because the oblique positioning, combined with the cephalad angling of the central ray, projects the anatomy of the left side into profile. The angling of the CR also helps to separate the foramina from the body of the cervical vertebrae, enhancing visibility of the intervertebral foramen. Other positions, such as the left anterior oblique (LAO) or right anterior oblique (RAO), would not demonstrate the left intervertebral foramen effectively because they would project other structures into that view, rather than the desired foramina. The left posterior oblique (LPO) would also not be ideal for visualizing the left intervertebral foramen with cephalad angling, as it would be oriented to show the right intervertebral foramen instead. Therefore, the RPO position, combined with the appropriate CR