X-ray Interpretation

Thoraco-lumbar spine radiographs are interpreted in much the same way as those of the cervical spine:

Adequacy/Alignment

Bones

Cartilage

Dense soft tissues

Some differences apply to each area, most notably the specific anatomical features and the surrounding soft tissue planes.

Click on the x-rays to enlarge.

Fig 1: Normal lumbar AP view Fig 2: Normal lumbar lateral view