X - Ray Whole Spine AP 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 Whole Spine AP View

What is X - Ray Whole Spine AP View?

X-Ray Whole Spine Anteroposterior (AP) View test is a diagnostic medical imaging technique used to take pictures of the spinal bone structure and soft tissues in their natural position. It detects bone fractures, herniated discs, arthritis, spondylosis, and tumor growth. The patient is made to stand erect or lie down horizontally. X-ray beams are used to take the image of the internal spine structure. The images are formed on a special detector that represents "shadows" of the organs inside the body.

The process takes around 15 to 30 minutes, or even less. No possible side effects are observed. Pregnant women have to take permission from the doctor before undergoing X-ray imaging. Apart from the exam gown, no other body jewelry is worn during the procedure.

What is X - Ray Whole Spine AP View used for?

To find the cause of the neck pain or 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 spinal bones
To detect any suspected disc problems like spondylolisthesis (dislocation or slipping of one vertebra over the other), degeneration of the disc or herniated 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 Whole Spine AP View

Frequently Asked Questions about X - Ray Whole Spine AP 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.