PROSEDUR TEKNIK PEMERIKSAAN RADIOGRAFI VERTEBRAE CERVICAL PADA KLINIS CERVICAL SYNDROME DI INSTALASI RADIOLOGI RSUD SLEMAN

Mirnawati Mirnawati (Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta)
Ildsa Maulidya Mar’atus Nashoka (Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta)
Syahara Listyawan (RSUP Dr. Sardjito Yogyakarta)

JHN: Journal of Health and Nursing
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): JHN: Journal of Health and Nursing, May 2026

Cervical syndrome is a disorder of the cervical vertebrae that can cause neck pain and activity limitations. Cervical spine radiography serves as a supporting examination for establishing a diagnosis. According to Lampignano and Kendrick (2018), cervical spine radiographic examinations include AP axial, lateral, and oblique projections. Oblique projections can be performed using RPO/LPO or RAO/LAO positions. However, at the Radiology Department of Sleman Regional General Hospital (RSUD Sleman), the axial, lateral, and oblique (RPO and LPO) projections are performed with a perpendicular beam direction—without the standard 15°–20° cephalad angulation—creating a discrepancy with the technique described in theory. This study aims to determine the cervical examination procedures for clinical cases of cervical syndrome at the RSUD Sleman Radiology Department and to understand the rationale for using RPO and LPO projections with a perpendicular beam direction for these cases. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach, conducted at the RSUD Sleman Radiology Department from December 2025 to May 2026. Data were obtained from 27 patients with clinical cervical syndrome through observation, in-depth interviews with three radiographers and one radiologist, and documentation of radiographic results. Data analysis was performed qualitatively by comparing the actual radiographic examination procedures with established theory. The results indicate that cervical spine radiography for cervical syndrome cases at RSUD Sleman utilizes AP axial, lateral, and RPO/LPO projections. Regarding patient preparation, patients are required to remove metal objects from the neck and head area prior to the examination. For oblique projections, the patient's body is positioned at a 45° angle relative to the image receptor, with the beam directed perpendicularly toward C4. This technique clearly visualizes the intervertebral foramina and provides sufficient information to assist in diagnosing cervical syndrome.