Vertebral Radiography

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Category: Skeletal system.
Subcategory: Radiography and nuclear medicine.
Material studied: X-rays of spine.
Estimated cost of test: $150.00 to $200.00 for complete back survey.
Patient time for test: 15-30 minutes.
Reliability of test results: Good.
Available as home self-test? No.

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BEFORE THE TEST

Purpose of test:

• Detects fractures, deformities and dislocations in the spine.
• Detects spine degeneration, infection and congenital disorders.
• Detects disorders of the intervertebral disks.
• Determines how arthritis and metabolic disorders may affect the spine.

Where is test performed?

• Commercial laboratory, hospital, doctor's office.

Who performs test?

• Lab technician or doctor.

Risks and precautions:

• This test may be hazardous to your unborn child during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Patient preparation:

• Activity - No changes necessary.
• Diet - No changes necessary.
• Medicines - No changes necessary.
• Disrobing - Remove all clothing. Put on surgical gown.

THE TEST

Sensory factors:

• Touching - You may be uncomfortable for short periods when you assume the positions the technician requests. X-ray rooms are frequently uncomfortably cool when you disrobe for the examination.
• Seeing - You will see strange-appearing heavy equipment in a small space.
• Hearing - You will hear the sounds of X-ray machine during exposure to X-ray films.
• Feeling - You may feel intimidated by the large equipment. Some degree of apprehension or fear is normal and should be expected. This discomfort disappears when the test is completed. You may also feel uncomfortable for a short while if small, enclosed space causes you discomfort.
• Other senses (smell, taste) - Not affected.

Equipment used:

• X-ray equipment.
• X-ray table.

Description of test:

• You or a close relative will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure has been explained to you.
• You are positioned on an X-ray table.
• Maintain the position the technician requests. Hold absolutely still while the machine is exposing the X-ray film.
• The technician will tell you when you can move and breathe again.
• X-rays are taken of the spine area.
• You may be asked to wait a short while until films are developed.

AFTER THE TEST

Immediate post-test care:

• None.

Activity after test:

• Resume normal activities.
• Additional tests and studies may be required to establish a precise diagnosis.

Time before test results available:

• Time before results are reported to the doctor or patient varies from a few minutes to a few days.

TEST RESULTS

Test values:

• Test results are determined by study of X-rays.

Normal values:

• No abnormalities.

What ABNORMAL may indicate:

• Spondylolisthesis - Narrowed disk
• Fractures. spaces.
• Subluxations - Tuberculosis.
• Dislocations - Pott's disease.
• Wedging - Benign or malig-
• Kyphosis nant intraspinal
• Scoliosis tumors.
• Lordosis - Ruptured disk.
• Torticollis - Cervical-disk (wry neck). syndrome.
• Absence of Rheumatoid sacral or arthritis. lumbar vertebrae.
• Charcot's
• Hemivertebrae. disease.
• Klippel-Feil - Ankylosing syndrome. spondylitis.
• Hypertrophic - Osteoporosis. spurs.
• Paget's
• Osteoarthritis. disease.

Taking these drugs may affect test results:

• None expected.

Other factors that may affect test results:

• Improper positioning during X-ray.

From the Complete Guide to Medical Tests by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. © 1988 by Fisher Books; electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.