03/07/2026
Cervicothoracic (Swimmer's) Lateral Position – Cervical Spine (C5–T3)
Clinical Indications:- Evaluation of the lower cervical spine (C5–T3).
Suspected fractures, dislocations, or subluxations.
Assessment when the C7–T1 junction is not adequately demonstrated on a routine lateral cervical spine projection.
Patient Position:- Patient may be positioned erect or recumbent.
Position the patient in a true lateral position.
Raise the arm nearest the image receptor above the head and flex the elbow.
Depress the opposite shoulder as much as possible.Rotate the shoulder farthest from the image receptor slightly posteriorly to move the humeral head away from the lower cervical spine.
Ensure there is no rotation of the head or thorax.
Central Ray (CR):- Perpendicular to the image receptor.Center at the C7–T1 level, approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the jugular notch.
Collimation:-Collimate on all four sides to include the C5–T3 region only.
