ImagIng EssEnTIals
Peer reviewed
Small animal Spinal RadiogRaphy SeRieS
Lumbar Spine radiography
Danielle Mauragis, CVT, and Clifford R. Berry, DVM, Diplomate ACVR
Imaging Essentials provides
comprehensive information on small
animal radiography techniques. This
article is the third article in a 3-part series
covering cervical, thoracic, and lumbar
spine radiography.
The following anatomic areas
have been addressed in previous
columns; these articles are available at
todaysveterinarypractice.com (search
"imaging essentials").
• Thorax
• Scapula, shoulder, and humerus
• Abdomen
• Elbow and antebrachium
• Pelvis
• Carpus and manus
• Stifle joint and crus
• Tarsus and pes
S
pinal radiographs are indicated for:
• Evaluation of traumatic injuries
• Neck and back pain
• Pain or neurological issues associated with
thoracic or pelvic limb lameness isolated to
these regions.
Each radiographic projection is a separate study and
should be radiographed as such. High quality, correctly
positioned and collimated radiographs are required in
order to provide an accurate assessment of the area of
interest, especially for surgical planning. In addition to
routine radiographic views, there are additional projections that may aid in the diagnosis of specific disease
conditions or aid in the evaluation of certain anatomic
areas.
ROUTINE VIEWS
Lateral and ventrodorsal views are considered the
minimum orthogonal radiographs for the spine. Due
48
to the angled, divergent nature of the x-ray beam, the
area of the spine in the center of the field of collimation will be the area that provides the correct anatomic
detail and intervertebral disk space widths.
A routine lumbar spine study includes:
1. Lateral and ventrodorsal projections of the lumbar
spine
2. Lateral and ventrodorsal projections of the lumbosacral junction
3. Lateral and ventrodorsal projections of the caudal
vertebra.
Measure the thickest portion of the
spine that is within the area of collimation.
Today's Veterinary Practice July/August 2013
MEASURINg ThE LUMbAR SpINE