Despite the development of modern imaging methods, radiological examination is still the basic imaging method used in the diagnosis of spine diseases. Unfortunately, the interpretation of the result can be a real problem for the recipient.
The purpose of this article is to explain the complex phrases that are often found in the description of the study. However, remember that reading this article is not a substitute for contacting your doctor, so discuss any questions you may have about your result.
Before you go to the main body of this article, you might want to remind yourself of the indications for taking a radiograph of the spine. The most important are:
- diagnostics of degenerative changes in the spine,
- diagnosis of posture defects,
- spondyloartropatie,
- suspicion of neoplastic metastases to the spine,
- suspicion of malformations, e.g. cervical rib,
- injuries, especially those related to the cervical spine,
- headaches and dizziness,
- pain in the lumbosacral region.
Selected terms used to describe the spine X-ray
Radiological examination of the spine allows the visualization of primarily bone elements. It does not allow the visualization of soft tissues, which reduces the diagnostic usefulness of the test. This does not mean, however, that on the basis of the X-ray examination it is not possible to diagnose abnormalities in the area of soft tissues, such as, for example, herniated discs. If you are curious about the aforementioned hernia, I invite you to read the short glossary of terms used to describe the X-ray of the spine.
- Spine X-ray blocks
What they mean: vertebral blocks are the result of two or more vertebrae fusing together.
Interpretation: they are congenital malformations of the cervical spine, characteristic of Klippel-Feil syndrome.
- X-ray discopathy of the spine
Which means: degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which may lead to the displacement of its elements (especially the nucleus pulposus) and the development of herniated intervertebral disc. As a result of the bulging of the intervertebral disc element into the spinal canal, the spinal cord or spinal nerves are compressed, causing pain and neurological symptoms.
Interpretation: on X-rays, the intervertebral discs are not visible, however, the reduction in the intervertebral space visible on the examination indicates the collapse of the disc.
- Butterfly vertebrae on X-ray of the spine
Which means: it belongs to birth defects of the spine, the butterfly vertebra consists of two parts of the vertebral body that are not joined together.
Interpretation: may lead to posture defects and the development of degenerative changes.
Read more about degenerative deformation of the spine
- Transitional vertebrae in X-ray of the spine
What they mean: each section of the spine performs a specific function, however, it happens that border vertebrae (ending or beginning a given section of the spine) have the features of an adjacent section of the spine, they are then called transition vertebrae.
Interpretation: the transitional vertebrae may not cause any discomfort, although they may be a reason for restriction of mobility and the development of premature degenerative changes.
- Spondylolisthesis on an X-ray of the spine
Which means: it is a condition where the vertebrae move in relation to each other. The higher vertebra moves forward in relation to the lower vertebra.
Interpretation: spondylolisthesis causes severe pain and even deterioration of mobility and the development of neurological disorders.
Do you know how spondylolisthesis is formed?
- Kyphosis on X-ray of the spine
Which means: arched bending of the spine towards the dorsal side, in the case of the thoracic and sacral spine, it is referred to as physiological kyphosis, but if it occurs in the cervical or lumbar region, it is a pathological condition called pathological kyphosis.
Interpretation: pathological kyphosis deforms the silhouette of the body, can cause pain and faster development of degenerative changes.
Also check what symptoms indicate the occurrence of thoracic kyphosis
- Lordosis on X-ray of the spine
Which means: the arched curve of the spine towards the ventral side, in the case of the cervical and lumbar spine, it is referred to as physiological lordosis, the presence of lordosis in the thoracic or sacral spine indicates a pathological condition, i.e. pathological lordosis.
Interpretation: as in pathological kyphosis, lordosis deforms the body shape and can cause pain.
- Osteosclerotic focus in X-ray of the spine
What it means: osteosclerosis is an increase in the calcification of a bone or part of it, which increases its mass. It results from disturbances in bone tissue metabolism. The osteosclerotic focus is the place with the greatest density of bone tissue.
Interpretation: osteosclerosis increases bone fragility and its susceptibility to injuries and the development of inflammation, as a consequence, leading to the onset of troublesome symptoms, including pain.
Find out about the 8 most common causes of back pain
- Spine X-ray osteophytes
What they mean: osteophytes are bone growths, which are a kind of degenerative changes.
Interpretation: may cause pain and neurological disorders.
Find out how osteophytes are treated
- Spina bifida on X-ray of the spine
Which means: it is a congenital defect, it means the vertebral arch does not fuse together, most often the first arch of the sacrum.
Interpretation: may cause severe pain.
- Scoliosis by X-ray of the spine
Which means: it is a three-dimensional curvature of the spine (in the frontal, sagittal and transverse planes).
Interpretation: causes deformation of the body shape and often pain.
Lateral curvature of the spine – how to recognize it?
- Spinal x-ray spinal fusion
Which means: fusion of two or more vertebrae to form a bone block due to the presence of pathological factors. Spondylodesis may also be intended as a result of surgery.
- Spondylolysis in X-ray of the spine
Which means: it consists in breaking the vertebral arch at the point of the knot.
Interpretation: the vertebrae are not displaced in relation to each other, so there is no spondylolisthesis.
- Compression fracture of the vertebra in X-ray of the spine
Which means: a fracture involving the vertebral body leading to its collapse and reduction in height.
Interpretation: compression fractures most often occur due to mechanical injuries as well as osteoporosis or the presence of neoplastic metastases.
Read more about cancer metastasis to bone
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