Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Questions


  1. For the L5-S1 spot position, how many degrees and in which direction is the CR directed?
    5–8 degrees caudad

  2. On reviewing the AP lumbar image, you observe that the left side of the pelvis is foreshortened, whereas the right side appears more flat and broad. What is the positioning error?
    The patient is slightly rotated toward the right

  3. What is the purpose of flexing the patient’s knees for positioning for the AP lumbar spine?
    Reduces the lordotic curve

  4. What needs to be considered relating to the patient’s body when positioning for the lateral thoracic spine?
    The kyphotic curvature

  5. When critiquing an image of the lumbar spine, you observe that the left iliac wing is more flat and broad, whereas the right iliac wing is more narrow and foreshortened. Which oblique image are you observing?
    LPO

  6. When reviewing the oblique image of the lumbar spine, you observe that the zygapophyseal joints are not open and that the pedicles are positioned too far posteriorly. What is the positioning error?
    The patient was over-rotated

  7. Where should one center for the thoracic Swimmer’s position?
    1½–2 inches inferior to the AC joint

  8. Which of the following anatomical parts are best demonstrated on the lateral thoracic spine image?
    Intervertebral foramina

  9. Which of the following positioning steps is critical in obtaining a high-quality lateral thoracic image?
    Have the patient breathe during the exposure

  10. Which plane does one use when centering the patient posteriorly for the lateral thoracic spine?
    Axillary

  11. Which position of the lumbar spine will best demonstrate spondylolisthesis?
    L5-S1 Spot

  12. Which position of the lumbar spine will demonstrate the right zygapophyseal joints?
    RPO

  13. Which projection of the lumbar and thoracic spine will best demonstrate the height of the vertebral bodies?
    Lateral

  14. Which projection will best demonstrate the zygapophyseal joints of the lumbar spine?
    Oblique

  15. Which projection(s) of the lumbar spine will evaluate the stability of the spine?
    Lateral flexion and extension

  16. Which projection will demonstrate a compression of the thoracic spine?
    Lateral

  17. A lateral lumbar spine image should clearly demonstrate:
    Answer: Intervertebral foramina, spinous processes, and disk spaces (1, 2, and 3)

  18. The tube angle for a lateral projection of the L5–S1 junction is:
    Answer: 5–10 degrees caudal

  19. The left zygapophyseal joints (L-spine) closest to the IR are clearly demonstrated when the patient is in the ______ position.
    Answer: LPO

  20. Which projection best demonstrates the intervertebral foramina of the lumbar spine?
    Answer: Lateral

  21. Which structure is not clearly demonstrated on an AP projection of the thoracic spine?
    Answer: Intervertebral foramen

  22. The intervertebral foramina of the _____ spine are best demonstrated in the lateral projection.
    Answer: Thoracic

  23. Which projection best demonstrates a compression of the thoracic spine?
    Answer: Lateral