Get your X-Ray Lumbosacral Spine Flexion & Extension from Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, which is an Advanced Radiology Diagnostic Imaging center, NABL and NABH-accredited. This special spinal test can provide images of the spine in the bending forward (flexion) and bending backward (extension) positions and assess the strength of the vertebrae.

About X-Ray Lumbosacral Spine Flexion and Extension

A skilled examination of the lumbosacral spine and the lumbar spine using movement techniques (flexion, extension) to create a dynamic picture of how the spine moves to the sacrum and sacro-sciatic joints in these positions. This is different from standard X-rays performed on the spine while the patient is still, but it collects "flexion" and "extension" views as well. This comparison aids a doctor in determining changes in the position of the backbone and looking for abnormal movement between neighbouring sections of the backbone.

What is X-Ray L-S Spine Flexion and Extension?

The area of the lumbosacral spine consists of five lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum, the bone where the spine meets the pelvis. These structures can be examined with a limited amount of radiation to take images using X-ray imaging to generate an image of the structures. During the exam, the patient will bend forward and backwards while the X-rays are being taken. These views may help assess changes in vertebral alignment, intervertebral relationships, and abnormal movement during flexion and extension.

Common Reasons for X-Ray L-S Spine Flexion and Extension

• Chronic Lower Back Pain: To determine the spine's posture and any abnormal sliding movement that may occur with chronic lower back pain.
• The test to check excessive movement between the neighbouring vertebrae of the spine is Suspected Spinal Instability.
• To evaluate if one of the vertebrae is moving out of line and over or under the other.
• Movement-related symptoms: To investigate suspected changes in spinal alignment associated with forward or backward bending.
• Degenerative Spine Changes: To assess spine alignment and motion in patients with degenerative spine changes.
• Post-Treatment Follow-Up: To check for stability following some therapy or surgery (when suggested).
• Vertebral Misalignment: Identifying positional changes in the alignment of the vertebrae when moving.

Conditions Evaluated

Lumbar Spinal Instability

Flexion and extension views will aid in the evaluation of abnormal movement between two successive lumbar vertebrae, which can cause low back pain or other symptoms.

Spondylolisthesis

Flexion and extension X-rays may help assess vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis) and determine whether the degree of slippage changes during forward and backward bending.

Degenerative Disc Disease

X-rays may show that the disc space has been narrowed, and that there are osteophytes and other degenerative changes. It may be helpful to use moving views to gather more info on alignment.

Facet Joint Degeneration

The examination could be useful in assessing certain aspects of the changes in bones and alignment that occur when the small joints in the back of the spine become degenerated.

Post-Surgical Spinal Assessment

If clinically indicated, dynamic X-rays can be used to evaluate spinal alignment and spinal motion after certain spinal treatments.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is an NABL & NABH Accredited Diagnostic Centre that offers cutting-edge services in the field of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Pathology. Adopting these standardized examination protocols, patient positioning, use of modern diagnostic technology, and a commitment to accurate and reliable reporting ensures our imaging services are supported.

Book Your X-Ray Lumbosacral Spine Flexion and Extension

If your doctor has advised you to have an X-Ray Lumbosacral Spine Flexion and Extension, get your appointment at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy. If applicable, bring in all spine X-rays, MRI and/or CT scans, as well as medical paperwork or any handout given by the physician.