A Full Spine X-ray is a specialized radiographic examination that captures images of the entire spine, from the cervical (neck) region down to the sacrum and coccyx, in one or more continuous shots.
It is a traditional, non-invasive procedure that uses a low dose of radiation to visualize the alignment, shape, and possible deformities of the vertebrae along the entire spinal column. The full spine X-ray is particularly valuable in orthopedic and spinal conditions, as it provides an overall view of the spinal symmetry and alignment, which is crucial for treatment planning and monitoring.
Indications for a Full Spine X-ray include:
- Diagnosis and follow-up of scoliosis (especially in children and adolescents)
- Evaluation of kyphosis or lordosis (postural deformities)
- Assessment of overall spinal alignment and curvature
- Investigation of chronic back or lower back pain
- Preoperative evaluation before spinal surgery
- Assessment of post-traumatic changes (e.g. fractures)
Procedure
The patient stands upright in front of the X-ray detector. The X-ray tube either moves vertically or specialized equipment is used to capture the entire spine in a single image or by stitching multiple images together. The procedure takes only a few minutes, is painless, and requires no special preparation.