X-Ray 1 Case Study

X-ray 1 is a left lateral view of the lumbosacral spine taken with the patient in weight bearing or standing. This lateral view is produced with a round cone to better visualize the lumbosacral junction.
X-ray 1b is the left lateral view of the lumbosacral spine with the patient positioned in sidelying.
Bony Pathology: The bone density appears uniform within the vertebrae and surrounding bone. Osteophyte formation and lipping are noted at the margins of the vertebrae, most significant in L3, L4, and L5. The height of the L4 vertebral body appears decreased anteriorly. In X-ray 1, the standing view, the sacrum seems to be tilted anteriorly. This bony pathology may be indicative of degenerative changes associated with degenerative disc disease and/or osteoarthritis.
Additionally, osteophyte formation is impinging on the intervertebral foramen, with facet joint space narrowing, most notable at L4-L5 and L5-S1. In comparing the two radiographs, the vertebral spacing increases in X-ray 1b, the sidelying non-weight bearing position contrasted to X-ray 1, the weight bearing position. This is further indication of the degenerative disc and joint changes occurring in the lumbosacral spine with possible