Final answer:
Before a C1/C2 transarticular screw procedure, X-ray and MRI are needed to evaluate the anatomy, with an arthrogram potentially being used to visualize soft tissues and early degenerative changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When planning for a C1/C2 transarticular screw procedure, appropriate imaging is crucial to assess anatomical structures and to plan for safe screw placement. What imaging do you need before doing a C1/C2 Transarticular screw? Generally, the imaging modalities include X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, a specialized form of X-ray called an arthrogram may be used, which involves the injection of a contrast agent to better visualize soft tissue structures such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments within the joints. This can be particularly helpful in detecting early degenerative changes in the joint cartilage before they affect the bone.