Anatomical Parts Required:
AP L-Spine
T12 to S1 cleary demostrated with no rotation. SI joints seen.
The view of the lumbar spine that demonstrates the pedicles halfway between the midpoint of the vertebral bodies and the lateral border of the vertebral bodies
Obliques
How many projections are in the standard L-Spine protocol?
5 to 6 images
(Cone Down depending upon patient anatomy)
The structure that makes up the "eye" of the scotty dog
Pedicle
What articulates with both the vertebral column and both ilia?
Sacrum
Cone Down (L5-S1)
Open L5-S1 joint space. True lateral position.
This view of the lumbar spine best demonstrates the intervertebral foramina
Lateral
What SID minimum should be used on all lumbar spine projections?
40" SID
The two structures make up the zygapophyseal joint
Superior and inferior articulating processes
How is L5 different than the other vertebrae?
It's wedge-shaped to adapt for articulation with the sacrum
Lateral L-Spine
True lateral, T12 to Sacrum - vertebral bodies superimposed
When imaging a supine lateral lumbar spine, doing this can help fix a sagging spine
Flex the knees / Place a sponge under the patient's knees
What is another name for the upshot projection of the L-Spine?
Ferguson Method
What is the part of the lamina between the superior and inferior articular processes called?
Pars Interarticularis
The term used to describe the normal anterior concavity of the lumbar spine.
Lordosis
Upshot L-Spine
L5 - S1 open and centered on image - No rotation
A common condition that flexion and extension views are done to rule out.
Spondyolisthesis
Spondyolisthesis is a condition where the vertebra slips ahead of the vertebra below it. Flexion and extension views are done to assess the instability of the L-spine.
What vertebra are at the level of the iliac crest?
L4/L5
On an obique L-Spine, how will scotty be projected if you need to oblique the patient more?
What is it called when someone has a sixth lumber vertebrea?
Lumbarization
OR
Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrea
RPO/LPO Oblique L-Spine
T12 to S1 seen, open zygapophyseal joints and scotty dog clearly seen.
The central ray for an L5-S1 spot film enters here
The central ray should be directed approximately 1.5 inches (2–3 fingers) inferior to the iliac crest and 2 inches posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
What vertebra are at the level of the lower costal margin?
L2/L3
The structure that makes up the "body" of Scotty Dog.
Lamina
This canal is formed anteriorly by the vertebral body, laterally by the pedicles, and posteriorly by the lamina.
Vertebral Foramen