ABSTRACT

Positioning for lateral lumbar spine projection. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315382210/8ca82e7c-bd07-4171-b4f5-ebaded57b5b3/content/fig2_52a.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>

The patient can lie on either side on the Bucky table. If there is any degree of scoliosis, the most appropriate lateral position will be such that the concavity of the curve is towards the X-ray tube.

The patient’s arms should be raised and resting on the pillow in front of their head. The knees and hips are flexed for stability.

The coronal plane running through the centre of the spine should coincide with, and be perpendicular to, the midline of the Bucky.

Non-opaque pads may be placed under the waist and knees, as necessary, to bring the vertebral column parallel to the image receptor.

The image receptor is centred on the level of the lower costal margin.

The exposure should be made on arrested expiration.

This projection can also be undertaken erect with the patient standing or sitting.