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Radiography of the Spine
Radiography involves using radiation (x-rays) to provide images of the tissues, organs, and bones, that comprise the human body.
To create a radiograph, a patient is positioned so that the part of the body being imaged is located between an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. When the machine is turned on, x-rays travel through the body and are absorbed in different amounts by different tissues, depending on the radiological density of the tissues they pass through.
For example, bones readily absorb x-rays and therefore appear whiter than other tissues against the black background of a radiograph. Conversely, x-rays travel more easily through less radiologically dense tissues, such as fat, muscle, and air-filled cavities such as the lungs. These structures are displayed in shades of gray on a radiograph.
The vertebral column’s bony composition make x-rays an ideal modality for quick evaluation, such as checking for fractures after mild or moderate trauma.
Altering the way the body is placed relative to the detector creates specified projections (the path the x-ray beams take through the body) that are used to examine structures from different angles.Â
Some examples of common spinal projections are shown here:
Question
Which projection would provide the best view for evaluating the normal curvatures of the spine? Which view would show evidence of scoliosis?
Lateral Spine Radiographs
Lateral Cervical
Question
Hyper extension of the neck would damage which part of the cervical vertebrae?
Lateral Thoracic
Lateral Lumbar


Figure 2.22.
Question
The notch forming the TOP half of an invertebral foramen is named the INFERIOR vertebral notch. What gives!?
Clinical Examples
The clinical examples shown here,
and in later sections on this page, are to help you see how imaging anatomy can be applied to the clinical setting. You are not expected to know, or be able to identify these at this point in your training.Â
Anterior Posterior (AP) Spine Radiographs
In AP radiographs, the spinous processes are seen enface (viewed front on), over lapping the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs. The pedicles, also visualized enface, project as oval densities on either side of the bodies.
Use the diagrams and complete anatomy link to identify the labeled structures in the AP thoracolumbar radiograph below.Â
AP lumbar spine
Clinical Examples
Oblique Spine Radiographs
Oblique radiographs can be utilized to visualize the spine from additional angles (between AP and lateral). Positioning for oblique radiographs requires rotation at approximately 45 degrees.
The lumbar spine oblique view is used to visualize the articular facets and pars interarticularis of the lumbar spine. Clinicians often refer to the appearance of the lumbar vertebrae in the oblique view as the Scottie dog.Â
Can you see the resemblance?


Figure 2.36.
Clinical Example
A break appearing in the “neck” of the Scottie dog correlates to a fracture of the pars interarticularis =Â spondylolysis.Â
This type of fracture can lead to spondylolisthesis = slippage of one vertebral body relative to an adjacent one.
Sectional Imaging
Sagittal images traditionally are shown as though the patient is looking to the viewer's left.
Coronal images are traditionally shown as though the patient is standing face to face with you.
Transverse or axial images are presented as if the viewer is standing at the feet end of a supine patient.
Accessing Donor CT Scans on PACS
Inland Imaging has graciously provided you with CT scans for each of the donors you will be working with in lab. You should plan to access your donor scan on a regular basis to practice identifying anatomical structures and to explore the potential pathologies present in your donor.Â
For this lab, open the CT scan of your donor and practice identifying structures of the vertebral column in each of the three planes. Be sure to note any abnormalities or pathologies you see – these are things you can share during your capstone presentation at the end of the year.
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Step 3
Additional Instructions
The MedTech site has a page with additional instructions and a video on how to use PACS.