X - Ray L S (Lumbar Spine) Extension & Flexion View

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Depending on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan.
You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.
Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiations may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.
You may be asked to empty your bladder and pass stools before the X-ray.

Understanding X - Ray L S (Lumbar Spine) Extension & Flexion View

What is X - Ray L S (Lumbar Spine) Extension & Flexion View?

This test uses X rays to generate the images of lumbar spine which consists of 5 vertebrae. This test is used to check instability of spine in spondylolisthesis which is a spinal condition that causes lower back pain. The patient is asked to bend forward for the flexion view and to lean back from the lower back for the extension view.

What is X - Ray L S (Lumbar Spine) Extension & Flexion View used for?

To find the cause of the lower 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 spine also known as hunch back), scoliosis (side to side abnormal curvature) or birth defects

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about X - Ray L S (Lumbar Spine) Extension & Flexion View

Frequently Asked Questions about X - Ray L S (Lumbar Spine) Extension & Flexion View

Q. 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 radiations but the benefit of the information gained from an X-ray image outweighs the risk of radiations.

Q. 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.