RadteraXR Thoracic Spine
XRNo contrastSpine
Indications
- Mid-back pain
- Suspected compression fracture
- Evaluation of kyphosis or alignment
- Degenerative change
- Metastatic survey (focal)
Patient prep
- Remove radiopaque objects over thorax/back; gown
Contrast
None / non-contrast
Technique
- AP: supine or erect, CR perpendicular to T7 (~3-4 inches below jugular notch / 3 inches below sternal angle)
- Lateral: recumbent or erect, CR to T7, arms raised; use breathing technique (orthostatic blur) or suspended expiration
- SID 40 inches; grid; kVp ~75-85
- Anode heel effect oriented with cathode over thicker (lower/abdominal) region
Series / Sequences
| # | Series / Sequence | Plane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AP | Frontal | CR to T7; collimate to spine; include C7-L1 |
| 2 | Lateral | Sagittal | CR to T7; arms forward, knees flexed; breathing technique blurs ribs/lung markings; place support to keep spine horizontal |
Key points
- Use anode heel effect: cathode (intense) end toward thicker lower thoracic/abdomen
- Place radiolucent support under waist to keep vertebral column parallel to IR on lateral
- Swimmer's view or coned-down lateral for upper thoracic (T1-T3) which is obscured by shoulders
- Breathing technique improves visualization of thoracic vertebrae on lateral
References
• Bontrager's Handbook - Thoracic Spine
• Merrill's Atlas Vol 1 - Vertebral Column
• Radiopaedia: Thoracic spine series link
• Merrill's Atlas Vol 1 - Vertebral Column
• Radiopaedia: Thoracic spine series link
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.