CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What modification should be considered if the pedicle is seen anterior to the vertebral body in an oblique lumbar image?

1. Rotate the patient more

2. Decrease scan time

3. Change the position to supine

4. Adjust the exposure parameters

The correct answer is: Rotate the patient more

When the pedicle is seen anterior to the vertebral body in an oblique lumbar image, it indicates that the patient may not have been rotated adequately for the views to be correctly aligned. In a properly oriented oblique lumbar view, the pedicle should be visualized situated at a certain position in relation to the vertebral body. If the pedicle appears more anterior, this suggests that the spinal region is not sufficiently rotated, thereby leading to misrepresentation of the anatomy. Increasing the amount of rotation helps to align the anatomy appropriately and gives a clearer image that accurately demonstrates the lumbar vertebrae and their structures. Proper rotation allows for the ideal visualization of the intervertebral foramen and zygapophyseal joints, which are the primary structures of interest in these views. Therefore, rotating the patient more is the appropriate adjustment to achieve the desired positioning for an accurate representation of the lumbar spine structures.