X-RAY LUMBER SPINE LATERAL VIEW

The lumbar region of the spine comprises the vertebrae, the intervertebral discs, and the muscles surrounding them. The lateral view is obtained by looking at the subject from its side.

INDICATION

This view is useful in assessing:

• Traumas, diseases
• Infections
• Slipped discs
• Suspected tumors
• Osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis
• Chronic back pain and determine the causes of the pain
• To detect spondylolisthesis or disc degeneration
• Suspected Spinal Injury

PATIENTS PREPARATION

• Patients are instructed to remove all metallic objects containing items from the scanning part of the body to prevent the chance of a blank spot on the film.
• Female patients are instructed to inform the x-ray technician in the case of pregnancy, before the examination.

PART POSITIONING

• To balance themselves in the lateral posture (to the right or left), the patient must fold their hands over their heads and flex both of their knees toward their stomach.
• Depending on the clinical history, the patient is erect, supine, or lateral recumbent.
• Place the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the elbows flexed so that the forearms are parallel to the chest and the humerus extended at a 90-degree angle. The Ap projection's spinal curvature will dictate whether a left or a right lateral is performed.
• Be careful that the distal upper limbs do not cover the region of interest when using the horizontal beam approach. Ask the patient to extend their arms in a position comparable to the lateral decubitus position, or to cross their arms over their upper thorax.