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| Definition: |
An X-ray of the lumbosacral spine involves the 5 lower back (lumbar) vertebrae and the 5 small fused vertebrae (sacrum). The vertebrae are separated by flat pads of cartilage that cushion the vertebrae and allow movement.
A myelogram involves X-rays or a CT scan of the spine after dye has been inserted into the spinal fluid. A lumbosacral spine X-ray is one of the most common X-rays involved with a myelogram.
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| Alternative Names: |
X-ray - lumbosacral spine; Myelography
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| How the test is performed: |
The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an X-ray technician. You will be asked to lie on the X-ray table and assume various positions. If the X-ray is to determine injury, care will be taken to prevent further injury. The X-ray machine will be positioned over the lumbosacral area of the spine. You will be asked to hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the picture will not be blurry. Usually 3 to 5 pictures are taken.
A myelogram is an X-ray or CT scan of the spine that is performed after dye has been injected into the spinal fluid. See the document on lumbar puncture for more information about the dye insertion portion of this procedure.
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| How to prepare for the test: |
Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
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| How the test will feel: |
There is no discomfort associated with the X-ray. The table may be cold.
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| What abnormal results mean: |
The test will detect abnormalities such as fractures, dislocations, thinning of the bone (osteoporosis), and deformities in the curvature of the spine. The test may also detect bone spurs, disc problems (see herniated disk), and degeneration of the vertebrae.
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| What the risks are: |
There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray.
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| Special considerations: |
There are a number of back problems that the X-ray will not detect because they involve the muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues. A lumbosacral spine CT or Lumbosacral spine MRI are better options for soft tissue disorders.
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Review Date: 12/6/2001
Reviewed By: Evan Mair, M.D., Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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