Lumbar Spine

Question 1

What is part of the minimal diagnostic series of the lumbar spine?

Answer 1

AP or PA.
Lateral.
(Additional views include: oblique, lumbosacral spot- AP or lateral, flexion/extension.)

Question 2

What are the structures best visualized on an AP lumbar view?

Answer 2

Vertebral bodies, pedicles (on end), superior and inferior articular facets, laminae, SP’s, TP’s, and pelvis/sacrum/hips.

Question 3

On an AP lumbar view, above the central ray what portion of the vertebral body is projected superiorly?

Answer 3

Anterior body margin.

Structures further from film are projected towards the edges of the film.

Question 4

On an AP lumbar view, below the central ray what portion of the vertebral body is projected inferiorly?

Answer 4

Anterior body margin.

Structures further from the film are projected towards the edges of the film.