During a cervicothoracic spine Swimmers radiograph, how is the x-ray tube angled?

During a cervicothoracic spine Swimmers radiograph, how is the x-ray tube angled?

• A. 0 degrees
• B. 3 - 5 degrees caudad
• C. 10 degrees cephalad
• D. 15 degrees caudad

Answer: (B)

Swimmers view is designed to visualize the cervicothoracic junction by moving the shoulders out of the way and aligning the beam with that region. A small caudad tilt of the x-ray tube, about 3–5 degrees, accomplishes this by directing the central ray slightly toward the feet so it passes between the shoulders and through the C7–T1 area. This slight downward angle reduces shoulder overlap and opens the image of the junction, giving a clearer view than a 0-degree projection. Using a larger angle or the opposite direction would either distort the anatomy or fail to separate the shoulders adequately, making the junction harder to see.

Swimmers view is designed to visualize the cervicothoracic junction by moving the shoulders out of the way and aligning the beam with that region. A small caudad tilt of the x-ray tube, about 3–5 degrees, accomplishes this by directing the central ray slightly toward the feet so it passes between the shoulders and through the C7–T1 area. This slight downward angle reduces shoulder overlap and opens the image of the junction, giving a clearer view than a 0-degree projection. Using a larger angle or the opposite direction would either distort the anatomy or fail to separate the shoulders adequately, making the junction harder to see.