Plain Film Evaluation of the Lumbar Spine
Plain Film Evaluation of the Lumbar Spine
Search Pattern Assist ?History
Exam
Findings
Technique
The thoracolumbar junction and/or the lumbosacral junction is/are not entirely included on the exam. [Yes/No]
The exam is over or under penetrated. [Yes/No]
The exam is limited by overlying structures, bones or soft tissues, patient positioning, support devices, or motion. [Yes/No]
Prevertebral and paravertebral soft tissues
The prevertebral or paravertebral soft tissues are abnormal. [Yes/No]
Spinal alignment
The vertebral bodies are abnormally aligned. [Yes/No]
The anterior and posterior vertebral body lines are abnormal or interrupted. [Yes/No]
The visualized spinous processes are malaligned or distracted on the AP and/or lateral view(s). [Yes/No]
There is reversal or straightening of the normal lordosis or scoliosis of the lumbar spine. [Yes/No]
Vertebral bodies, posterior elements and included sacral segments
There are more or less than the expected 5 non rib-bearing vertebral bodies. [Yes/No]
There is a transitional motion segment at the lumbosacral junction (sacralization of L5 or lumbarization of S1). [Yes/No]
There is a fracture or distraction of a vertebral body, transverse or spinous process, or other posterior element. [Yes/No]
There is anterior wedging and/or compression of a vertebral body or end plate. [Yes/No]
There is an end plate avulsion or other fracture. [Yes/No]
There is displacement of a fracture fragment into the soft tissues or spinal canal. [Yes/No]
There is lucency or defect of the pars interarticularis from spondylolysis. [Yes/No]
There is an abnormality of a pedicle or lamina on the frontal or lateral view. [Yes/No]
There is a fracture, erosion, sclerosis, lytic, or blastic lesion of a pedicle or lamina. [Yes/No]
There is evidence of a lytic or sclerotic lesion, or disruption of the trabecular pattern of a vertebral body, end plate, or sacrum. [Yes/No]
There is a fracture or interruption of the arcuate lines of the sacrum. [Yes/No]
There is erosion, sclerosis, narrowing, or other abnormality of a sacral foramen or the SI joints. [Yes/No]
There is focal or diffuse abnormal mineralization of the lumbosacral spine. [Yes/No]
Disc spaces and facet joints
There is distraction or focal widening of a disc space. [Yes/No]
There is disc space narrowing with or without erosive or sclerotic changes of the end plates or subchondral bone other than from degenerative change. [Yes/No]
There is anterior or posterior spondylolisthesis, subluxation, or rotational abnormality at a disc space. [Yes/No]
There is widening, rotational abnormality, or displacement of facets at any motion segment. [Yes/No]
There is facet joint narrowing or sclerosis other than from degenerative change. [Yes/No]
There is narrowing or encroachment of a neural foramen other than from degenerative change. [Yes/No]
There are degenerative changes present that might explain the patient’s symptoms. [Yes/No]
Additional soft tissues and bones (lower thorax, abdomen, and pelvis)
There is abnormal bowel or bowel gas pattern. [Yes/No]
There are gallstones, vascular, renal, pelvic, or other soft tissue calcifications present. [Yes/No]
There is free intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal air or other abnormal air in the included chest, abdomen, or pelvis. [Yes/No]
The included thoracic spine, ribs, and remainder of the bony pelvis are abnormal. [Yes/No]
There is abnormality of the lower chest and/or diaphragm. [Yes/No]
There is a foreign body or there are post surgical changes of the bones or soft tissues of the included lower thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. [Yes/No]
There is an abnormality or complication of post surgical hardware/device. [Yes/No]
There are support lines or tubes in an abnormal position. [Yes/No]
Other findings
There are other existing conditions that might be contributing to symptoms which can or should be further evaluated non-emergently. [Yes/No]