Lateral C7T1

TimelyTip

Lateral C₇ -T₁

When trying to penetrate the shoulders of a patient to get a good view of C7, using the swimmers technique, you have "burn" out the upper C-spine .

The ER Doc can't count, and he needs to see all the vertebra to verify you have demonstrated C7.. If you don't have any of your fancy boomerang filters handy, grab a couple of Saline IV bags and tape them together.

Place the bags in the crease of the neck and they will act as a filter and you will be able visualize the upper vertebra while penetrating the shoulders to see the lower vertebra as well.

Bonnie McCaffrey, R.T.
Sutter Coast Hospital
mccaffb@sutterhealth.org