X-ray of the thoracic spine – what you need to know about the procedure

Today, radiography of the spine as a whole and individual vertebrae is the most popular diagnostic method. You can undergo an appropriate examination both in a public clinic and in a private medical institution.

When to do an x-ray of the thoracic spine

The main symptom is sensations that cause discomfort in the back during physical activity (torso bending and twists).

There are a number of other symptoms when an x-ray is prescribed:

  • discomfort in the chest and limbs;
  • diseases caused by infection;
  • spinal injury of a mechanical nature;
  • suspicion of a tumor;
  • scoliosis;
  • congenital pathologies.

Note: X-ray is a mandatory procedure after operations to restore the functionality of the spine.

What does this diagnosis show?

X-ray is the most informative diagnosis that allows you to accurately identify the zones of the affected areas. The examination is effective both for assessing the condition of the entire spine and its individual vertebrae.

Diagnostics is used to determine the shape and structure of the thoracic vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The examination can reveal curvatures and other defects in this part of the spine.

In addition, radiography is aimed at identifying certain pathologies of the thoracic spine:

  • pathological changes in the shape and structure of bone tissue;
  • incorrect position of the vertebrae;
  • curvature and decrease in joint mobility;
  • possible complications after dislocations, fractures;
  • bone diseases;
  • any failures in the functioning of the intervertebral discs;
  • the presence of metastases;
  • osteoporosis.

Preparation for the procedure

The preparatory process for radiography is as follows:

    1. For several days, it is necessary to adhere to a special nutritional system, which involves the exclusion of such products:
      • milk;
      • bread of black and gray varieties;
      • fresh cabbage;
      • potatoes;
      • beans.

You should not eat foods that contribute to increased flatulence.

  1. In case of flatulence, doctors recommend taking activated charcoal three to four times a day for several days.
  2. For two to three days, take valerian tincture 15 drops three times a day.
  3. The last meal should be at 19-00 on the eve of the study date.
  4. To cleanse the intestines, an enema can be performed on the eve of the X-ray or in the morning of the examination. The high content of gases prevents the free penetration of X-rays. The result is an unclear image of poor quality, making it difficult to determine the correct diagnosis.
  5. X-rays are taken on an empty stomach.

How do

The main difference between such diagnostics is that the images are taken in three projections:

  • in front;
  • behind;
  • from the side.

The procedure is completely simple. The patient bares the torso and removes all jewelry. Then you need to take a position lying on your back or lying on your side. It is also sometimes necessary to perform a survey at a 45 degree tilt.

As a rule, to obtain a complete and reliable picture of the state of the spine, no more than five images are required, the execution time of which is a quarter of an hour.

Note: the patient must remain motionless throughout all manipulations. Any careless movement leads to a deterioration in the quality of images, distortion of the results, which significantly complicates further diagnosis of the disease.

At the end of the procedure, the radiologist must analyze the images obtained and give them to the vertebrologist with the appropriate conclusions. It is a specialist in spinal diseases – a vertebrologist – who makes the final diagnosis and prescribes the necessary course of therapy.

As for the information content of the images, they show all the thoracic vertebrae, however, the lower several vertebrae may not be clearly identified. This is due to the specifics of the structure of the human body: these vertebrae are overlapped by the shadow from the abdominal organs.

If a patient is diagnosed with kyphosis of the thoracic region, then the upper and lower thoracic vertebrae in the images look deformed: they overlap each other, while the intervertebral discs are not visible.

To describe in detail the deformed parts of the spine, special images are needed, which are taken with a certain tilt of the X-ray tube.

Note: the specialist must necessarily reflect the received radiation dose in the patient’s medical record. This information is essential for planning further exposure.

X-ray with functional tests

Diagnosis consists in performing lateral X-rays during flexion and extension with the patient in the supine position.

This photo shows an X-ray of the thoracic spine in lateral projection

A standing or sitting diagnostic technique is considered preferable.

Functional tests are selected individually. This type of radiography is often used to diagnose the cervical and lumbar regions. Given the insignificant mobility of the thoracic spine, it is extremely rarely examined using this technique.

Price

The cost of the procedure varies depending on the clinic where the patient is being examined, the complexity of the diagnosis, and the place of residence.

According to patients, it is most comfortable to visit private medical institutions. You do not have to wait in tedious lines, in addition, the most modern equipment is used for X-ray. However, comfort requires additional financial costs.

X-ray of the thoracic spine is an affordable and simple procedure. The cost of the service ranges from 1200 to 4000 rubles.

Contraindications

X-rays are contraindicated in the following cases:

  • pregnancy;
  • obesity, in this case the pictures are not clear;
  • situations when the patient cannot be motionless;
  • if the patient has been examined using barium suspension within the last four hours;
  • some spinal injuries.

In modern medicine, radiography is a mandatory diagnostic method for detecting injuries and pathologies of the spine.

Modern medical equipment allows to guarantee the patient a minimum amount of radiation during the procedure.

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