Exam 9: Lumbar Spine, Sacrum, and Coccyx

The "nose" of the Scottie dog represents the spinous process of a lumbar vertebra.

A patient comes to radiology for a study of the lumbar spine.The initial radiographs demonstrate potential pathology involving the L5-S1 zygapophyseal joint.Which of the following positions and/or projections would best demonstrate this joint space?

Conventional radiography does not detect bone loss from conditions such as osteoporosis until bone mass has been reduced at least 30%.

Which labeled structure in the figure is the superior articular process?

A radiograph of an AP projection of the lumbar spine on an average-size patient reveals that the psoas major muscles and transverse processes are not visible.The following analog factors were used for this projection: automatic exposure control (AEC)with center ionization chamber,95 kV,40-inch (102-cm)SID,grid,and 14 *17-inch (35 *43-cm)image receptor.Which of the following modifications will be most effective in demonstrating these structures?

If the patient has scoliosis,the convexity of the spine should be down toward the image receptor for the lateral spine projection.

An average of ____ segment(s)make up the adult coccyx.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)is superior to CT (computed tomography)for evaluation of spinal cord and intervertebral disks.

Which specific aspect of the sacrum articulates with the ilium to form the sacroiliac joint?

A fracture through the vertebral body and posterior elements caused by lap seat belts during an auto accident involving sudden deceleration is a ____ fracture.

A radiograph of the left sacroiliac joint demonstrates it open and clearly seen.Which of the following positions was performed?

A radiograph of a left posterior oblique (LPO)projection of the lumbar spine reveals that the downside pedicle is projected too far posterior on the vertebral body.What specific positioning error is present on this radiograph?

The LPO position for sacroiliac joints will best demonstrate the right joint.

The pelvis must remain stationary for the AP right and left bending projections of the scoliosis series.

What is the joint classification of the zygapophyseal joints?

The second projection for the Ferguson method of the scoliosis series requires that the concave side of the curve be built up 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm)by placing blocks beneath the patient's foot.

A patient comes to radiology for a study of the lumbar spine.He has a clinical history of spondylolisthesis of L5.Which of the following projections will best demonstrate the severity of this condition?

Which one of the following structures of the sacrum is considered to be the most posterior?

A radiograph of an AP axial L5-S1 projection reveals that the joint space is not open.The following factors were used on this female patient: 80 kV,40-inch (102 cm)SID,grid,35° caudad angle,and CR centered to the ASIS.Which of the following factors needs to be modified to produce a more diagnostic image?

Which aspect of the Scottie dog is the superior articular process?