Which views are included in a lumbar spine examination?

Which views are included in a lumbar spine examination?

• A. PA Lumbar View and Oblique Views
• B. AP Thoracic View and Lateral Sacral View
• C. AP Lumbar View and Lateral Lumbar View; Oblique Views and Flexion-Extension as Needed
• D. AP Lumbar View Only

Answer: (C)

Evaluating the lumbar spine radiographically requires views that show its structure from multiple angles and assess movement when necessary. The AP lumbar view and the lateral lumbar view are the essential frontal and sagittal-plane images that reveal alignment, vertebral body height, disc spaces, and the presence of fractures or spondylolisthesis. Oblique views are added to examine the pars interarticularis and facet joints, which helps detect spondylolysis and facet arthropathy. If instability is a concern, flexion-extension views are taken to observe how the segments move between positions and to identify abnormal motion. This combination—AP plus lateral lumbar views, with oblique views and flexion-extension as needed—provides a comprehensive lumbar assessment. Other options omit key views or include views not typical for a lumbar-focused examination.

Evaluating the lumbar spine radiographically requires views that show its structure from multiple angles and assess movement when necessary. The AP lumbar view and the lateral lumbar view are the essential frontal and sagittal-plane images that reveal alignment, vertebral body height, disc spaces, and the presence of fractures or spondylolisthesis. Oblique views are added to examine the pars interarticularis and facet joints, which helps detect spondylolysis and facet arthropathy. If instability is a concern, flexion-extension views are taken to observe how the segments move between positions and to identify abnormal motion. This combination—AP plus lateral lumbar views, with oblique views and flexion-extension as needed—provides a comprehensive lumbar assessment. Other options omit key views or include views not typical for a lumbar-focused examination.