What is X-Ray Dorsal Spine AP & LAT View?

An X-ray of the dorsal spine (thoracic spine) is a safe and painless test to visualize the twelve thoracic vertebrae (T1 - T12) which forms the middle part of your backbone. It also helps to visualize their intervertebral discs and the surrounding soft tissues like skin and muscles using a small amount of radiation. The image is recorded on a special X-ray film. The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures such as the bones, appear white and softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles appear darker. The actual exposure time to radiation is usually less than a second, although the overall test may take 20-30 minutes.

Why is X-Ray Dorsal Spine AP & LAT View done?

• To find the cause of the back pain that lasts for a long time
• To look for any injury or fracture of the spinal bones (vertebrae)
• To diagnose any suspected tumors (abnormal growth), arthritis, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), or infections of the spine
• To detect suspected disc problems like spondylolisthesis (dislocation or slipping of one vertebra over the other) or degeneration of the disc
• To look for any abnormalities in the curvature of the spine like lordosis (excessive inward curve of spine), kyphosis (excessive outward curve of the spine also known as hunch back), scoliosis (side to side abnormal curvature), or birth defects

What are the drawbacks of a bone X-ray?

X-ray images give a very clear view of the bones. However, it does not provide a good visual image of the soft tissues like tendons, muscles, or fat tissue under the skin. Even the bone microfractures or complicated spine injuries are not clearly visible on the X-Ray images. Apart from this, it also exposes the patient to some amount of radiation but the benefit of the information gained from an X-ray image outweighs the risk of radiation.

Who interprets the X-ray results?

The interpretation of an X-Ray image is carried out by a radiologist who analyses or reads the X-ray image and prepares a report of the findings which is shared with the patient.