What is the purpose of the swimmers (cervicothoracic) view?

What is the purpose of the swimmers (cervicothoracic) view?

• A. Visualizes C5–C6 on the lateral view
• B. Visualizes C7–T1 when the shoulders obscure the lower cervical spine
• C. Visualizes skull base
• D. Visualizes occipital bone

Answer: (B)

The swimmer’s view is used to see the cervicothoracic junction, specifically C7–T1, when the shoulders obscure the lower cervical spine on a standard lateral. By having the patient raise the arm on the side being imaged and move the shoulder away, the scapulae and shoulder girdle are displaced laterally from the spine. This reduces superimposition over C7–T1, giving a clearer view of the transition between the cervical spine and the thoracic inlet. It’s not about visualizing skull base or occipital bone, which aren’t the focus of this projection; those areas are better assessed with dedicated skull imaging.

The swimmer’s view is used to see the cervicothoracic junction, specifically C7–T1, when the shoulders obscure the lower cervical spine on a standard lateral. By having the patient raise the arm on the side being imaged and move the shoulder away, the scapulae and shoulder girdle are displaced laterally from the spine. This reduces superimposition over C7–T1, giving a clearer view of the transition between the cervical spine and the thoracic inlet. It’s not about visualizing skull base or occipital bone, which aren’t the focus of this projection; those areas are better assessed with dedicated skull imaging.