X Ray Coccyx Lateral and AP View

Lateral positioning of the coccyx X‑ray is a true lateral projection with the patient lying or standing in lateral recumbent (hips and knees flexed for stability). The image receptor is centered on the coccyx and the central X‑ray beam is directed perpendicular to the film to include the distal sacrum and coccyx. Small-field collimation and suspended respiration reduce blur; used to detect fractures, dislocation, or degenerative change.

Anteroposterior (AP) X‑ray passes the beam front-to-back; the patient is often supine or upright and anterior structures can be magnified, which may alter apparent heart and mediastinal size. Lateral X‑ray is taken side-to-side, giving a profile view that separates overlapping structures, shows depth, helps localize lesions, and better displays spinal alignment, retrosternal/retrocardiac detail, and air‑fluid levels.

The optimal radiographic view for the coccyx is a true lateral projection. A lateral film best demonstrates coccygeal alignment, angulation, fractures and dislocations, whereas AP views are of limited value. Position the patient in a lateral recumbent or standing lateral posture with the X‑ray beam centered on the coccyx; oblique views are rarely necessary except for specific diagnostic questions.

A minimum of two views are required: an anteroposterior (AP) view—commonly AP axial for the sacrum (about 15° cephalad) and AP axial for the coccyx (about 10° caudad) as appropriate—and a true lateral view of the sacrum/coccyx. These two projections assess alignment, fractures and degenerative change; axial angulation helps visualize the curved anatomy.

“Lat view” (lateral view) is an X‑ray taken from the side, producing a side‑profile image of the body part. It complements frontal (AP/PA) views to show depth, alignment, air‑fluid levels and posterior structures without superimposition. Commonly used for chest, spine and joint imaging. The patient is positioned with the affected side against the detector so the X‑ray beam travels laterally through the body.

A coccyx X‑ray—usually a lateral sacrococcygeal view, sometimes with an AP view—visualizes the tailbone vertebrae and their alignment. It detects fractures, dislocations, bone spurs, degenerative changes and gross malalignment, and helps evaluate causes of tailbone pain after trauma. If radiographs are inconclusive or soft‑tissue detail is needed, CT or MRI may be recommended.