Cervical Spine Panoramic Artefact — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateRadiology & ImagingCervical Spine Panoramic ArtefactNDEB AFK

Which imaging artefact on a panoramic radiograph appears as a radiopaque band across the mandibular incisor region?

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Correct answer: C — Cervical spine superimposition from incorrect head positioning

A radiopaque band (ghost image) across the anterior region on a panoramic radiograph is caused by the cervical spine being positioned within the focal trough due to incorrect head positioning (typically chin too low/flexed forward). The dense cervical vertebrae superimpose over the anterior jaw region bilaterally as a ghost image, obscuring anatomical detail. Correct positioning requires the Frankfort plane horizontal and the chin positioned on the chin rest with slight downward tilt.

Reference: White & Pharoah – Oral Radiology: Principles and Interpretation, 8th ed., 2019