X-Ray Thoracic Spine AP Lateral Swimmer View
This X-ray is used to check for any issues with the bones located in the middle of the back. It helps in spotting abnormalities, injuries and diseases of the bone.
First, the doctor will probe into the patient’s medical history. He or she may ask the patient about the origins of the pain, when the pain started and any other symptoms that may occur which have impacted the lifestyle of the patient. X-ray imaging is used in conjunction with clinical symptoms to identify disease and chart treatment plans for the future. Also, the doctor might examine posture and gait as part of the physical exam. The physical exam is also used to identify issues like swelling, stiffness or pain points in the area concerned.
The X-Ray is used by the doctor to help discern why the patient has back pain, which may have occurred because of injuries like fracture, an infection, disease or any other condition. X-Rays are quick and painless procedures and help in the identification of physical abnormalities along the thoracic spine. Identification allows the doctors to draw up appropriate treatment plans, recommend any lifestyle changes and set you on the path to recovery, relieving you from constant muscle pain. Furthermore, the X-Ray is not the only way to help identify why the patient has back pain. The doctors may also order other tests, like an MRI scan, CT scan, bone scan or an ultrasound to help the diagnosis. The various imaging tests work in conjunction to reach a conclusion.
X-rays are performed in the radiology department or a clinic that specializes in the diagnostic procedure. The X-ray technician helps you settle in after you are fully prepared and directs the patient according to the requirements of the X-ray. Since this X-ray requires an AP and lateral view, also known as anteroposterior projection, the X-ray technician will require the patient to be either erect or supine, depending on their clinical history. In ideal circumstances, spinal imaging is taken in the erect position in the setting of non-trauma to give a functional overview of the thoracic spine. On the other hand, if the patient has a suspected spinal injury, all of their imaging must be taken in a supine position without moving the patient unnecessarily. The patient needs to place their hands by their sides. In some cases, the patient may be asked to flex their legs or be provided with a pillow to improve their comfort to reduce spinal lordosis. The patient may also be asked to hold their breath and remain still while the image is being taken to ensure it's not blurry; otherwise, the procedure may have to be repeated. While the process is relatively short, it may take a longer time for the X-ray to come out if the patient has been injected with a dye to make the imaging come out clearer and detailed. In terms of the lateral view, the patient is either erect, supine or lateral decubitus. The lateral projection requires the upper limbs to be removed from the path of the direct X-ray beam to reduce the superimposition of the proximal humeri over the thoracic vertebrae.
X-rays are standard procedures and do not require special preparation. However, there are a few pointers that you need to keep in mind before going in for the imaging:
- No jewelry, glasses, and metallic objects should be worn, as they make the X-Rays harder to read.
- Consult your physician if you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy; X-rays are usually avoided during this period.
- Inform your doctor beforehand if you wear any on-body devices such as an insulin pump or any metal implants in your body
The doctor may order the X-Ray if the patient has any of the following conditions:
- Birth defects that affect the spine
- Bone spurs
- Dislocation of a vertebral bone
- Herniated disk
- Injury to the lower spine
- Low back pain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Pinched nerve
- Scoliosis
- Signs of cancer
The results from the X-ray are usually available on the same day. They are reviewed by the doctor and radiologist, allowing them to determine how they should proceed. In light of the imaging results, the doctor may also order additional imaging scans like blood tests or other diagnostic measures. The Thoracic Spine AP Lateral can detect the following conditions:
- Bone spurs
- Deformities of the spine
- Disk narrowing
- Dislocations
- Fractures (compression fractures of the vertebrae)
- Thinning of the bone (osteoporosis)
- Wearing away (degeneration) of the vertebrae
Related Tests
Thoracic spine AP X-ray, Thoracic spine Oblique, Chest X-ray
Frequently ordered together
X-Ray Thoracic Spine AP & Lateral
MRI Thoracic Spine with Contrast
MRI Thoracic Spine without Contrast
CT Thoracic Spine without Contrast
MRI Thoracic Spine with & without Contrast
CT Thoracic Spine With And Without Contrast
X-Ray Thoracic Spine Min 4V
X-Ray Thoracic Spine 2V
X-Ray Thoracic Spine 3V
150.00$
375.00$
515.00$
565.00$
620.00$
620.00$
150.00$
65.00$
150.00$
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Conditions Treated
Diabetes~: Metabolism~: Thyroid Disorder~: Hormonal Imbalance~: OsteporosisSyed Hassan MD
