Lumbar Spine Projections Quiz

Which description applies to a correctly positioned anteroposterior (AP) projection of the lumbar spine?

• Open zygapophyseal joints are shown

• Open intervertebral foramina are shown

• The pedicle is superimposed over the anterior portion of the vertebral body

• The spinous processes are demonstrated in the middle of the vertebral bodies

What is demonstrated on an anteroposterior (AP) projection of the lumbar spine?

• Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis

• Lumbar vertebrae and transverse processes

• Intervertebral foramina and zygapophyseal joints

• Zygapophyseal joints and open L5/S1 joint space

Where should the central ray enter for an oblique projection of the lumbar spine?

• L2

• L3

• L4

• L5

Where does the central ray enter for an L5/S1 lateral projection of the lumbar spine?

• One inch posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine and L4

• Two inches posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine and L4

• One inch posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine and 3 inches inferior to the iliac crest

• Two inches posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine and 1.5 inches inferior to the iliac crest

Which projection demonstrates the intervertebral foramina of the lumbar spine?

• Lateral

• Anteroposterior (AP)

• 45-degree anterior obliques

• 45-degree posterior obliques

Identify which patient is most likely to require an 8-degree caudal angle for a lateral projection of the lumbar spine.

• A six-year-old male

• An adolescent female

• An adult male with an undefined waist

• An adult female with a narrow waist and wide hips

How can the radiographer reduce distortion of the vertebral bodies during an anteroposterior (AP) projection of the lumbar spine?

• Use a small focal spot

• Have patient flex knees

• Increase milliampere-seconds (mAs)

• Decrease source-to-image-receptor-distance (SID)

Which range of degrees of rotation may be required to demonstrate the zygapophyseal joints of L5/S1?

• 0-25

• 26-30

• 31-44

• 45-60

Where does the central ray enter for a lateral projection of the lumbosacral spine?

• L2

• L3

• L4

• L5

Which are advantages of posteroanterior (PA) projection over anteroposterior (AP) projection of the lumbar spine?

• The intervertebral disk spaces are almost parallel to the x-ray beam

• The position provides better visibility of the margins of the intervertebral disk spaces

• The position places the intervertebral disk spaces almost parallel to the divergence of the beam

• The position results in magnification haziness, especially in patients having a large abdomen

• The position provides an increased object image receptor distance (OID) of lumbar vertebrae