DORSAL /THORACIC SPINE AP & LATERAL VIEW X-RAY SCAN
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
What is this scan?
A painless, low-dose X-ray that captures two angles of your mid-back (T1–T12):
- AP (front-to-back) view – checks alignment of vertebrae and ribs
- Lateral (side-to-side) view – reveals disc height and curvature
Why choose Cadabams Diagnostics?
- 5-minute check-in with digital paperwork
- Latest DR (Digital Radiography) machines for razor-sharp images
- Radiologists on-site for immediate image review
- Same-day reports sent to your phone and email
What is a Dorsal / Thoracic Spine AP & Lateral View X-Ray Scan?
Definition & purpose
The scan uses a small dose of ionizing radiation to create detailed pictures of the thoracic vertebrae, discs, ribs, and surrounding soft tissues. It helps doctors spot fractures, infections, deformities, or arthritis.
AP vs Lateral view explained
View | What it shows | Typical finding |
---|---|---|
AP | Spinal alignment, rib symmetry | Scoliosis curves |
Lateral | Disc spaces, vertebral body height | Compression fractures |
Difference from other spine x-rays
- Cervical spine X-ray – neck region (C1–C7)
- Lumbar spine X-ray – lower back (L1–L5)
- Dorsal/Thoracic – mid-back only, unique for rib articulation assessment
Types of Dorsal / Thoracic Spine AP & Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Standard digital X-ray – routine, most common
- High-resolution option – bone-detail mode for osteoporosis monitoring
- Weight-bearing vs supine – standing films reveal spinal alignment under load; supine used for trauma
List of Parameters
- Vertebrae alignment: check for straight or curved spine
- Disc spaces: narrowing suggests degeneration
- Soft tissue shadows: look for enlarged aorta or lung abnormalities
Why This Test
- Mid-back pain investigation – rule out fracture or tumor
- Trauma & fracture screening after accidents
- Pre-surgical planning – map hardware placement
- Monitor scoliosis progression in children
When to Take Test
Symptoms that warrant testing
- Persistent mid-back pain >2 weeks
- Pain after a fall or accident
- Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the trunk or legs
- Visible hunching or spinal curvature
Age & risk group guidelines
Age group | Common reasons |
---|---|
0–18 yrs | Scoliosis screening, trauma |
18–50 yrs | Sports injuries, early disc changes |
50+ yrs | Osteoporotic fractures, arthritis |
Doctor referral criteria
Any practicing physician, orthopedist, emergency doctor, or physiotherapist can provide a valid prescription.
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Scan
- Quick procedure – total time under 15 minutes
- Low cost – ~70 % cheaper than MRI
- Digital images – zoom-friendly, shareable via cloud link
- No injections or contrast – totally non-invasive
Illnesses Diagnosed with the Scan
Condition | What the X-ray shows |
---|---|
Compression fractures | Collapsed vertebral body |
Scoliosis | S-shaped sideways curve |
Degenerative disc disease | Narrowed disc spaces, bone spurs |
Ankylosing spondylitis | Bamboo spine appearance |
Infections/tumors | Lytic or sclerotic lesions |
Preparing for test
- Remove all metal jewelry, belts, bras with underwire
- Wear loose, cotton clothing or change into gown provided
- Fasting is NOT required – eat and drink normally
- Bring prior films/reports for comparison if available
Pre-requisites
- Valid doctor prescription (digital prescriptions accepted)
- Pregnancy screening questionnaire for women of child-bearing age
Best Time to Take the Scan
- Any time of day – fasting not needed
- Post-injury – ideally within 24–48 hours to detect fresh fractures
- Follow-up – 3–6 months interval for scoliosis or osteoporosis monitoring
Eligibility
- Age limits: From newborns to geriatric patients
- Weight limit: Machines support up to 200 kg
- Mobility: We assist wheelchair-bound patients with adjustable tables
Procedure for Taking a Dorsal / Thoracic Spine AP & Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Check-in – verify ID, fill a quick form
- Gown change – remove metal objects
- Positioning for AP view – stand or lie face-up, arms at sides
- Positioning for lateral view – turn to the side, arms above head or across chest
- Image capture – two quick clicks, each lasting <1 second
- Review & discharge – technician checks images, you leave within 10 minutes
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Declare pregnancy – even if uncertain
- Notify staff of implants – pacemakers, rods, screws
- Claustrophobia – not an issue; the X-ray is open on all sides
Test Results
Results and their Analysis
Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
---|---|---|
Normal alignment | Straight vertical line from T1–T12 | No scoliosis or fracture |
Wedged vertebra | Anterior height < posterior height | Possible compression fracture |
Narrowed disc space | <50 % normal height | Degenerative disease |
Excessive curvature | Cobb angle >10° | Scoliosis |
New bone formation | Bridging osteophytes | Ankylosing spondylitis |
Risks & Limitations
Radiation dose facts
- ≈ 0.7 mSv – equal to 2 months of natural background exposure
- ALARA principle applied: As Low As Reasonably Achievable
Who should avoid
- Pregnant women (unless urgent)
- Very young children – ultrasound or MRI preferred for soft-tissue issues
Image quality limitations
- Soft tissues (discs, ligaments) better visualized on MRI
- Subtle nerve compression may need CT or MRI follow-up
FAQs
How long does the scan take?
About 10–15 minutes from entry to exit.
Is the scan painful?
No. You simply stand or lie still for a few seconds.
Can I drive home after?
Yes. The scan has no after-effects.
When will I get the report?
Same day—usually within 2 hours.
Do I need a follow-up scan?
Only if your doctor recommends it, typically 3–6 months later for chronic conditions.