Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Questions

What is the direction and degree of the CR for the L5-S1 spot position?

5–8 degrees caudad

What does it indicate if the left side of the pelvis is foreshortened on an AP lumbar image?

The patient is slightly rotated toward the right.

What is the purpose of flexing the patient’s knees for the AP lumbar spine positioning?

Reduces the lordotic curve.

What body curvature must be considered when positioning for the lateral thoracic spine?

The kyphotic curvature.

In which oblique image are you likely observing a flat and broad left iliac wing and a narrow and foreshortened right iliac wing?

LPO.

What positioning error is indicated if the zygapophyseal joints are not open and the pedicles are too far posteriorly?

The patient was over-rotated.

Where should the central ray be centered for the thoracic Swimmer’s position?

1½–2 inches inferior to the AC joint.

What anatomical parts are best demonstrated on the lateral thoracic spine image?

Intervertebral foramina.

What critical step must be taken to obtain a high-quality lateral thoracic image?

Have the patient breathe during the exposure.

Which plane is used when centering the patient posteriorly for the lateral thoracic spine?

Axillary.

Which lumbar spine position best demonstrates spondylolisthesis?

L5-S1 Spot.

Which position of the lumbar spine will show the right zygapophyseal joints?

RPO.

Which projection of the lumbar and thoracic spine demonstrates the height of the vertebral bodies?

Lateral.

Which projection best demonstrates the zygapophyseal joints of the lumbar spine?

Oblique.

Which projection(s) evaluate the stability of the lumbar spine?

Lateral flexion and extension.

What type of projection demonstrates a compression of the thoracic spine?

Lateral.

What should a lateral lumbar spine image clearly demonstrate?

Intervertebral foramina, spinous processes, and disk spaces.

What is the tube angle for a lateral projection of the L5–S1 junction?

5–10 degrees caudal.

When in which position are the left zygapophyseal joints (L-spine) closest to the IR clearly demonstrated?

LPO.

Which projection best demonstrates the intervertebral foramina of the lumbar spine?

Lateral.

What structure is not clearly shown on an AP projection of the thoracic spine?

Intervertebral foramen.

Which spine's intervertebral foramina are best demonstrated in the lateral projection?

Thoracic.

What projection best demonstrates a compression of the thoracic spine?

Lateral.