![]() ![]() Locate the lumbosacral junction by palpating the caudal lumbar spinous processes located just cranial to the iliac crest then follow the spinous processes caudally until a divot is felt, which should be at a level caudal to the iliac crest.Palpate and place the center of the FOV just caudal to the iliac crest at the lumbosacral junction.Dog positioned for ventrodorsal radiograph of the lumbar spine (A) and corresponding radiograph (Bįor the lumbosacral junction lateral projection, the FOV should include the caudal lumbar spine (L6 and L7) as well as the entire sacrum. Make sure the sternum and thoracic spine are superimposed.įigure 2.Tape the pelvic limbs individually and pull both caudally.Tape the thoracic limbs individually or together and pull cranially.A trough may be used to maintain the spine’s straightness, but make sure to place the entire thoracic and lumbar spine within the trough to eliminate an edge artifact over the area of interest.Place the radiopaque marker along the craniodorsal aspect of the collimation on the table (not on the patient).įor the ventrodorsal projection, position the patient in dorsal recumbency ( Figure 2).This muscle will be just ventral to the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. Palpate the longissimus dorsi muscle and place the horizontal line of the FOV at this level.Palpate and place the FOV just cranial to the thoracolumbar junction and just caudal to the iliac crest at the level of the greater trochanter of the femur (of the pelvic limb away from the table).Exclude the ventral half of the abdominal cavity.Include the dorsum just above the spinous processes.Measure the thickest portion of the spine that is within the area of collimation. Lateral and ventrodorsal projections of the caudal vertebra.Lateral and ventrodorsal projections of the lumbosacral junction.Lateral and ventrodorsal projections of the lumbar spine.Due to the angled, divergent nature of the x-ray beam, the area of the spine in the center of the field of collimation will be the area that provides the correct anatomic detail and intervertebral disk space widths. Lateral and ventrodorsal views are considered the minimum orthogonal radiographs for the spine. In addition to routine radiographic views, there are additional projections that may aid in the diagnosis of specific disease conditions or aid in the evaluation of certain anatomic areas. High quality, correctly positioned and collimated radiographs are required in order to provide an accurate assessment of the area of interest, especially for surgical planning. Pain or neurological issues associated with thoracic or pelvic limb lameness isolated to these regions.Įach radiographic projection is a separate study and should be radiographed as such. ![]()
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