Lumbar spine Flashcards
What is the goal of the lumbar spine radiograph?
identify or exclude anatomic abnormalities or disease processes of spine
What are the routine projects of the lumbar spine?
AP
Lateral views
What additional views may be needed?
right and left oblique
coned lateral view of lumboscral articulation
What does the right posterior oblique (RPO) and left posterior view (LPO) views demonstrate?
right: right sided structures
left: left sided structurers
What does the posterior oblique views image?
downside” facet joints closest to image receptor
What might the anterior oblique position be used for?
upside” facet joints farther from image receptor
Nose of scottie dog
transverse provess
Eye of scottie dog:
pedicle
Ear of scottie dog:
superior articular process
Neck of scottie dog:
pars interarticularis
Foreleg of scottie dog:
interior articular process
Body of scottie dog:
lamina and spinous process
Tail of scottie dog:
superior articular process of opposite side
Hind leg of scottie dog:
inferior articular process of opposite side
What is the imagining of choice for evaluating trauma patients?
CT
What can help localize injuries?
AP and lateral radiographs
If CT is normal, is an MRI necessary and why/why not?
no- b/c isolated ligamentous injuries rare in lumbar spine
What is the predominant site of vertebral fractures?
Thoracolumbar junction (T11–L2)
What is spondylolysis a defect of?
at pars interarticularis
What can a defect be?
Congenital (rare)
Traumatic
Stress fracture caused by chronic strain
What is the most common lumbar injury?
Stress fracture caused by chronic strain
What is spondylolosthesis?
forward displacement of one vertebra upon stationary vertebra beneath it
can also be called anterolisthesis
What is retrolisthesis?
posterior displacement of a vertebra
What percentage of patients have spondylolisthesis?
5-10%
