Lumbosacral spine x-ray

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Skeletal spine

Vertebra, lumbar (low back)

Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)

Vertebral column

Sacrum

Posterior spinal anatomy

Overview

Risks

Results

Lumbosacral spine x-ray

Definition:

An x-ray of the lumbosacral spine involves capturing images of the five lumbar vertebrae and the five small fused vertebrae (sacrum).

Alternative Names:

X-ray - lumbosacral spine; Myelography

How the test is performed:

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table and assume various positions. If the x-ray is to determine injury, care will be taken to prevent further injury.

The x-ray machine will be positioned over the lumbosacral area of the spine. You will be asked to hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the picture will not be blurry. Usually three to five pictures are taken.

A myelogram is an x-ray or CT scan of the spine that is performed after dye has been injected into the spinal fluid. (See lumbar puncture.)

How to prepare for the test:

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

How the test will feel:

There is generally no discomfort associated with an x-ray, although the table may be cold.

Why the test is performed:

Lumbosacral spine x-ray helps evaluate back injuries and persistent numbness, low back pain, or weakness.

Review Date: 1/24/2005
Reviewed By: Jeffrey J. Brown, M.D., F.A.C.R., Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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