RadteraXR Lumbar Spine
XRNo contrastSpine
Indications
- Low back pain
- Radiculopathy/sciatica
- Suspected fracture
- Spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Scoliosis (regional)
- Pre-operative evaluation
Patient prep
- Remove radiopaque objects over abdomen/pelvis; gown
- Bowel prep not routinely required
Contrast
None / non-contrast
Technique
- AP (or PA): supine with knees flexed to reduce lordosis, CR perpendicular to L4-L5 (level of iliac crests)
- Lateral: recumbent, knees flexed, support waist, CR to L4 or iliac crest level
- L5-S1 spot lateral: CR 5-8 deg caudad (males) or angle to interspace
- SID 40 inches; grid; kVp ~80-90
- Suspended expiration
Series / Sequences
| # | Series / Sequence | Plane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AP (or PA) | Frontal | CR to iliac crest (L4); knees flexed; include T12-sacrum |
| 2 | Lateral | Sagittal | CR to iliac crest level; waist supported to keep spine horizontal |
| 3 | L5-S1 spot lateral | Sagittal | Coned lateral of lumbosacral junction; CR perpendicular if waist supported or 5-8 deg caudad |
Key points
- Posterior oblique views (RPO/LPO 45 deg) demonstrate the 'Scotty dog' / pars interarticularis for spondylolysis
- AP axial L5-S1 (Ferguson) 30-35 deg cephalad for lumbosacral junction and SI joints
- Flexion/extension laterals for instability/spondylolisthesis
- Right and left bending views for scoliosis flexibility
References
• Bontrager's Handbook - Lumbar Spine
• Merrill's Atlas Vol 1 - Vertebral Column
• Radiopaedia: Lumbar spine series link
• ACR-ASNR-SPR Practice Parameter for Spine Radiography
• Merrill's Atlas Vol 1 - Vertebral Column
• Radiopaedia: Lumbar spine series link
• ACR-ASNR-SPR Practice Parameter for Spine Radiography
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.