Introduction
Occasionally the initial AP, lateral and open mouth views do not fully visualise the cervical spine. In these circumstances repeating the films whilst pulling caudally on the arms may improve the images, but it may be necessary to take additional views such as ‘swimmer’s views’and ‘oblique views’
If the images are still inadequate then a CT spine may be arranged
The most common views taken are swimmer’s views (see x-ray) and oblique views.
Click on the x-ray to enlarge.