ASSESSMENT OF LUMBOSACRAL FUSION MASS BY ANGLED RADIOGRAPHY - TECHNICAL NOTES

Study Design. Lumbosacral fusion masses were assessed by angled radiog raphy. Objectives. To introduce the use of the angled anteroposterior radiograph in the evaluation of the fusion mass at the lumbosacral reg ion. Summary of Background Data. Determination of the presence and pro gress of the fusion mass at the lumbosacral junction may be difficult clinically and radiologically. Few studies regarding the use of the an gled anteroposterior view of plain radiographs in evaluating L5-S1 fus ion are available. Methods. The patient was placed in the supine posit ion, and an angled view of the lumbosacral junction was obtained. Radi ography of the angled anteroposterior view was performed with the x-ra y beam oriented toward the cranial portion at 50 degrees to 55 degrees relative to the x-ray table. Results. The use of the angled view of t he lumbosacral junction eliminates the superimposition of the L5 trans verse process on the posterior part of the superior ala of the sacrum, widens the L5-S1 intertransverse space, and enhances direct visualiza tion. Conclusions. The use of the angled anteroposterior view on plain radiographs is recommended in the evaluation of the fusion status at L5-S1.