X Ray Dorsal Spine Lateral and AP View

Position the patient supine or upright with their back against the image receptor for an AP view of the dorsal (thoracic) spine. Ask them to roll the shoulders forward or place hands on hips to move the scapulae laterally. Center the detector at T7 (mid‑thoracic) and direct the central ray perpendicular to the spine; include C7–T12/L1. Suspend respiration during exposure.

AP (anteroposterior) view means the X‑ray beam passes from the front (anterior) to the back (posterior) of the body; commonly used for supine or portable chest and extremity films and can slightly magnify structures like the heart. Lateral view is taken from the side (beam passes from one lateral side to the other), providing an orthogonal perspective that localizes lesions, assesses depth, and clarifies overlapping anatomy.

An X‑ray LS spine AP LAT is a lumbosacral spine radiograph taken in two standard projections: anteroposterior (AP) and lateral. It images the lower lumbar vertebrae and sacrum to evaluate alignment, fractures, degenerative changes, disc-space narrowing and deformity. The exam is quick, noninvasive and uses low radiation; avoid or modify in pregnancy and when advanced imaging is indicated.

DL spine AP LAT stands for dorsolumbar spine anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) X‑ray views. These radiographs visualize the thoracolumbar junction to assess vertebral alignment, fractures, degenerative changes, infections, or tumors. The AP view shows frontal alignment; the lateral view shows sagittal profile and disc spaces. It’s a quick, noninvasive imaging test—remove metal and inform staff if pregnant.

An AP (anteroposterior) view of the spine is an X‑ray taken with the beam passing from front to back, producing a frontal image of vertebral bodies, disc spaces, pedicles and alignment. It helps detect fractures, deformities, degeneration and major alignment issues, and is typically obtained with the patient standing or supine. It’s usually paired with a lateral view for complete assessment.

The dorsal position of the spine refers to the back (posterior) aspect of the vertebral column. Clinically, the term often denotes the thoracic (dorsal) region—T1–T12—between the cervical and lumbar segments. This area anchors the ribs, provides greater stability with less mobility than neck or lower back, and helps protect the spinal cord and thoracic organs.