Babeh Edi

Spine L5/S1 Lateral

Indications for imaging Trauma, degenerative disease,  Anatomy  Demonstrated The lumbar sacral articulation  L5/S1 Rt Lateral Anatomy Meschan, I. 1955 An Atlas of Normal Radiographic Anatomy Saunders, London Basic Patient Position The patient lies on the table with the mid saggital plane parallel to the table, support under the waist and a pad between the knees may be required. The long axis of the patient should be in line with the long axis of the table, the hips and knees flexed to aid comfort and stability.  L5/S1 Lt Lateral Patient Position Meschan, I. 1955 An Atlas of Normal Radiographic Anatomy Saunders, London Radiation protection There are many local rules for gonad protection however the following should be taken into account. The 28 day rule should be applied for female patients. In males and females direct lead rubber gonad protection can be applied at all times Central Ray The vertical central ray is centered to point below the highest point of the iliac crest at the level of the ASIS. The central ray may need to be angled usually caudally to ensure it is at 90 degrees to the spine at the joint. Exposure is made on suspended respiration Exposure Factors Kv mAS FFD (cm) Grid Focus AEC Cassette 95 100 100 Yes Broad Yes 24 x 30 cm Evaluation of the Image ID and markers must be present and correct in the appropriate area of the film Evidence of collimation on four sides equally around the centering point. Optimal exposure should penetrate all the bone structures and contrast should be low enough to visualise fully the bone and soft tissue structures. Limits of the examination, superiorly L4, inferiorly S2 anteriorly the anterior margin of L4 posteriorly the spinous process of L%. The L5/S1 joint space should be clearly visualise in lateral profile, the articular facets should be clearly visible. L5/S1 Lateral Radiograph Diagram of vertebra to show position of fracture in Spondylolisthesis (spondylolisthesis a slipping and falling, sacrolisthesis; spondyloptosis; forward movement of the body of one of the lower lumbar vertebrae on the vertebra below it, or upon the sacrum.) Related Projections Lumbar spine obliques Lumbar spine AP Additional modalities CT MRI