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X - Ray Lumbar Spine (LS) AP & LAT Views

Also referred as

X - Ray Lumbar Spine - Antero Posterior & Lateral Views

Lumbar Spine X-Ray – AP & Lateral

AP and Lateral Views of LS Spine

For men & women

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The X - Ray Lumbar Spine (LS) AP & LAT Views test uses X rays to generate the images of lumbar spine (lower back) which consists of 5 vertebrae. It is used to check instability of spine in spondylolisthesis which is a spinal condition that causes lower back pain. It is also used to diagnose osteoarthritis, osteoporosis,abnormal curvature or degenerative changes in the lumbar spine.

The patient is asked to face the X-ray beam at backward position for anterior-posterior(AP) view, while the patient is asked to stand horizontal to the X-ray beam for lateral (LAT) view.

Pregnant women should inform the physician about their condition.

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Preparation for this test

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FAQs related to X - Ray Lumbar Spine (LS) AP & LAT Views

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.

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.

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MBBS, MD Lab Medicine

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Last Updated

13th Nov 2025