How To Read Lumbar Spine X Rays
A Review on Reading Lumbar X-rays Low back pain is an extremely common complaint in both athletes and the general public. L-spine systematic approach - Lateral Hover onoff image to showhide findings.
Check its an adequate view.
How to read lumbar spine x rays. The thoracic vertebrae comprise the chest section and have ribs attached. You require all three views lateral AP and odontoidopen mouth view for an adequate study. With the sagittal image you get a better overall picture of your lumbar spine.
A lumbosacral spine X-ray or lumbar spine X-ray is an imaging test that helps your doctor view the anatomy of your lower back. The whole L-spine should be viewed in both views. Rugby or other accidentsThere are frequently other associated serious injuries for example femur fracture or aortic injuryAs a matter of routine radiographs of the chest pelvis and a lateral view.
Some will present after an acute fall or injury while others will complain of chronic symptoms that may be lingering. You should be able to see L1-L5 but also the full T12 vertebral body T1112 and the sacrum on the AP view. The C7T1 junction must be visible.
Most serious injuries to the cervical spine follow on high speed deceleration motor vehicle accidentsor motorcycle accidents but serious injuries may also be related to sport eg. A Systematic reading The most commonly ordered spine radiographs x-rays of the cervical spine are used to evaluate trauma and everyday neck pain. Divergence of the X-ray beam may limit assessment of the low lumbar spine levels - a further coned lumbosacral view centred at the level of the lumbosacral junction may be helpful.
X-rays are also useful for evaluation of the postoperative patient. A lumbosacral spine x-ray is a picture of the small bones vertebrae in the lower part of the spine. The cervical vertebrae make up the neck.
The spine is divided into several sections. For a lumbar spine view. The lumbar spine often shortened to L-spine consists of five adjacent vertebrae of the lower vertebral columnThey participate in the lumbar lordosis a natural curve in the spine that is convex anteriorly.
Use the sagittal image to view your entire lumbar spine. The ABCs of the cervical spine provide a helpful mnemonic to guide the systematic assessment of these x-rays. Ensure all 4 lines are contiguousuninterrupted 1.
This area includes the lumbar region and the sacrum the area that connects the spine to the pelvis. Articulations of the facet zygapophyseal joints permit flexionextension and abduction movements. Thoracolumbar spine x-ray involves two views AP and lateral.
You can identify vertebrae that are out of alignment or discs that are abnormal. Read our step-by-step guide to interpreting thoracic and lumbar spine x-rays.
