Lumbosacral spine X-rays, also called lumbar spine X-rays, are a radiographic imaging technique that uses low doses of electromagnetic radiation to view the internal anatomy of the lower spine, called the lumbosacral region. These images are used to diagnose a wide range of abnormalities, injuries, and diseases in the region.
We will examine further what exactly a lumbar spine radiograph is, why it’s performed, and what steps to expect during the procedure.
Let’s get started.
What Is a Lumbosacral Spine X-Ray?
A lumbosacral spine X-ray, also called a lumbar spine radiograph, is an X-ray imaging procedure that allows doctors to view the anatomy of the lower back. Radiographs use a small amount of electromagnetic radiation to view bones and soft tissues based on their density, which determines how much radiation they either absorb or allow to pass through.
It produces images that appear white (bones) or gray (soft tissues), allowing doctors to get a detailed view of the anatomy. Lumbosacral radiographs use digital X-ray machines to examine the back's lumbar region.
The lumbar region covers three major categories of bones: five vertebral bones, the sacrum, which is like a bony shield at the back of the pelvis below the lumbar spine, and the coccyx, more popularly referred to as the tailbone, which is located below the sacrum. This region also contains soft tissues, including nerves, large blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Why Are Lumbosacral Spine X-Rays Performed?
Lumbosacral radiographs are performed to enable doctors to diagnose problems in the lumbar region of the back that are caused by injuries, disease, or infections. For instance, they can be used to diagnose things like broken or fractured bones, birth defects, osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by degeneration of the joints), and osteoporosis (a thinning of the bone density).
They also show abnormal spinal curvatures like scoliosis, degenerative changes like bone spurs or narrowing of the joints between the vertebrae, and cancer in the lumbosacral region. However, they will not show issues in the muscles, nerves, or disks of the back, which would require different radiographic imaging procedures.
How Is a Lumbosacral Spine X-Ray Performed?
Lumbar spine radiographs are performed like most other radiographic imaging techniques, with some minor modifications to allow a better view of the lumbar region. They’re routine procedures that require little preparation. Here are the steps involved:
Preparation
The doctor should be informed if the patient is pregnant or has any metal implants from prior injuries. They’ll then be asked to remove any jewelry that could interfere with the X-ray and will likely be asked to remove their clothing and change into a hospital gown so that nothing in the clothing, like buttons or zippers, can interfere with the image quality.
Patient Lies Down on The Table
Next, the patient will be instructed to lie on the X-ray table. Initially, they’re usually placed face-up, lying on their back. However, they’ll often be directed to change positions if necessary to obtain additional images to get a better view of the entire region.
Protective Lead Aprons
Sometimes, a protective lead apron may be applied to shield body parts that don’t need to be exposed to the radiation. This, however, depends on the type of machine being used, the procedures being performed, and the patient’s needs.
Technician Takes An Image
A technician will then use a large camera over the lumbar region and ask the patient to take a breath and hold it in while they capture a picture onto film or, more commonly now, on digital plates that are located beneath the table as the camera moves overhead.
Additional Images Are Taken
Usually, the patient will be instructed to lie in additional positions on each of their sides and on their stomach while more images are taken. This ensures a more complete view of the entire region.
Radiologist Reviews The Images
A radiologist may review the images to determine they’re of sufficient quality to ensure efficient and accurate diagnosis. If they’re not satisfied, the procedure may need to be repeated.
Patient Waits or Returns To Their Routine
At this point, the patient usually changes into regular clothes and may leave the clinic to wait for the doctor’s results. Sometimes, they may be asked to wait for the doctor's results, particularly at an emergency care clinic where injuries are involved, and treatment options may need to be explored immediately. Fortunately, digital X-rays allow for rapid results.
The Doctor Reviews The Results And Discusses the Findings
The radiologist and/or the doctor will then thoroughly review the X-rays and discuss their findings with each other and with other colleagues or specialists if necessary to ascertain a diagnosis.
Once satisfied with the diagnosis, the doctor or radiologist will discuss the results with the patient, explaining what it means for them and what they can expect based on that diagnosis. Depending on the clinic and other factors, this may occur the same day or sometime in the following few days.
Doctor Prescribes Treatment
Depending on what the images show or don’t show, the doctor may order additional images, blood tests, or other tests to assist in further diagnostics. Otherwise, they’ll discuss the various treatment options with their patient to help them decide the best course of treatment.
Additional Post-Treatment Imaging
Sometimes, imaging is repeated after treatment, particularly after surgery or other corrective procedures. These additional images will help ensure the issues have been resolved, or occasionally, they may indicate the need for further treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Abnormal Result on a Lumbosacral X-Ray?
An abnormal result on a lumbosacral X-ray is anything that shows abnormal curvatures, degenerative changes like visible bone spurs or narrowing of the spaces between the vertebrae, and broken or fractured bones. It can also show osteoporosis based on bone thinning and inflammation from arthritis.
Final Thoughts
Performing lumbosacral spine radiographs is an essential medical diagnostic tool to aid radiologists and doctors in diagnosing abnormalities, injuries, diseases, and other issues in the lower spine. They’re simple medical imaging procedures that can be performed quickly and efficiently using Maven Imaging’s digital X-ray equipment.
Then, lumbosacral problems can be rapidly diagnosed, and the patient can move to treatment to help correct their condition and ease their pain.
