1. Normal Radiographic Spinal Anatomy
Daniel W. Haun, DC, DACBR
Logan College of Chiropractic

2. Normal Radiographic Anatomy The Basics
Radiographs are two-dimensional images of three-dimensional structures; much anatomical overlap occurs on radiographs.

3. Normal Radiographic Anatomy The Basics
Five basic densities
Metal – bright white
Bone – White
Water/Soft Tissue – Shades of Lighter Gray
Fat – Darker Gray
Air – Black
Radiolucent = black
Radiopaque = white

4. Normal Radiographic Anatomy
Cervical Spine

5. AP Open Mouth

6. AP Open Mouth Odontoid Process Occipital condyles Lateral Masses C1
Posterior Arch C1
Transverse Process C1
C2 Spinous Process
C3 Spinous Process
AP Open Mouth

7. Neutral Lateral Cervical

8. Neutral Lateral Cervical
C1 Posterior Arch and Tubercle
C1 Anterior Tubercle
Odontoid Process C2
Vertebral Bodies C3
Spinous Processes C4 C5
Intervertebral Discs C6 C7
Neutral Lateral Cervical
Articular Processes

9. Oblique Cervical

10. Oblique Cervical C1 Posterior Arch and Tubercle C1 Anterior Tubercle
Intervertebral Foramina C3 C4
Articular Processes C5
T1 Transverse Process C6 C7 T1
Pedicles
1st Ribs
Oblique Cervical

11. AP Lower Cervical

12. Articular Processes or Pillars
Spinous Processes C4
Articular Processes or Pillars
Uncinate Processes C5 C6
1st Rib
C7 Transverse Process C7 T1
T1 Transverse Process
AP Lower Cervical

13. Normal Radiographic Anatomy
Thoracic Spine

14. AP Thoracic

15. AP Thoracic Posterior Ribs Pedicles Transverse Processes
Intervertebral Discs
T12
AP Thoracic

16. Lateral Thoracic

17. Superior Articular Processes
Pedicles T6
Vertebral Bodies
Intervertebral Foramina
Intervertebral Discs
Spinous Processes
T12
Lateral Thoracic

18. Normal Radiographic Anatomy
Pelvis and Lumbar Spine

19. AP Pelvis

20. Inferior Articular Processes Superior Articular Processes
Spinous Processes
Superior Articular Processes
L5 Transverse Processes L5
Sacroiliac Joints
Ventral Sacral Foramina
Median Sacral Crest
Coccyx
AP Pelvis
Pubic Symphysis

21. AP Lumbar

22. Superior Articular Processes Inferior Articular Processes
Pedicles
Spinous Processes
Transverse Processes
Sacroiliac Joints
Median Sacral Crest
AP Lumbar

23. Lateral Lumbar

24. Superior Articular Processes Inferior Articular Processes
Pedicles
Superior Articular Processes
Vertebral Bodies
Spinous Processes
Intervertebral Discs
Inferior Articular Processes L5
Intervertebral Foramina
Sacral Canal
Lateral Lumbar
Sacrum

25. Oblique Lumbar

26. Oblique Lumbar Transverse Processes Inferior Articular Processes
Superior Articular Processes
Partes Interarticulares
Pedicles
“Scotty Dog” Appearance
Sacroiliac Joint
Oblique Lumbar