The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to ensuring that the way that we provide services and the way we recruit and treat staff reflects individual needs, promotes equality and does not discriminate unfairly against any particular individual or group. Trust Clinical Guidelines Group Document history Lordosis is historically defined as an abnormal inward curvature of the lumbar spine. These guidelines are drawn up by expert panels with reference to the literature and a consensus opinion reached, updated on a regular basis to reflect changing evidence. Diagram showing normal curvature (posterior concavity) of the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) vertebral column (spine) Specialty. To ensure patients have appropriate imaging that will help in the diagnostic pathway. Department of Radiology and Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of the Delaware Valley. To reduce unnecessary imaging investigations. To streamline and improve the imaging pathway of the lumbar spine Spinal Surgery for fractures or dislocations, Oncology for metastatic deposits causing symptoms. Positive findings on imaging should be discussed with the appropriate clinical team, e.g. Non mechanical pain (no relief with bed rest) Guidelines for Spinal Imaging Referral Dose key These guidelines are drawn up by expert panels with reference to the literature and a consensus opinion reached, updated on a regular basis to reflect changing evidence. However, these two photographs presented perspectives that were distinct. This type of device typically produces two radiographic images of the human spine, including the anteroposterior and lateral views. The table below has been adapted from the Royal College of Radiologists guidelines which are available to all NHS staff, covering all commonly performed imaging investigations: Plain film X-ray scanners are indispensable for medical diagnostics and clinical procedures. due to a pacemaker, we suggest discussion with a Radiologist regarding the best imaging modality on a case by case basis. Where MRI is suggested but contraindicated e.g. Yet, the reliability of different measurement methods still remains unclear. They are an important first line investigation in the investigation of suspected osteoporotic collapse however (see below). Dynamic radiographs are commonly used for ROM calculation of the lumbar spine. This is particularly true when there is a typical history with no concerning features ( Red Flags). Plain X rays are rarely required in the investigation of back pain in the absence of trauma. To ensure the best service to our referring GPs and clinicians, it is important that these, and indeed all X rays, are only performed when appropriate, when they are likely to help in the diagnostic pathway. We perform approximately 3000 lumbar spine X rays per year for GPs in Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Total number of plain X rays is 300,000). Pertinent aspects of history and examination.Lumbar Spine Imaging - Guidance for GPs and Referring Clinicians

Lumbar spine x ray