The diagnostic contribution of the frontal lumbar spine radiograph in community referred low back pain--a prospective study of 1030 XXXX .

@entity1 @entity6592 @entity2720 @entity5
AIM: The diagnostic contribution of the anteroposterior (AP) view was studied to assess whether this view could be omitted safely, thus reducing the radiation burden received by @entity1 undergoing lumbar spine radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective analysis of 1030 consecutive referrals for lumbar spine radiography from general practice. RESULTS: In the majority of cases (90.5%) the AP view was non-contributory. In 4.2% the diagnosis was strengthened and it was altered in 4.6%. However, in the latter group only 1.3% of the total were considered significant alterations. These were cases of possible, but not definite, pars defects and @entity6592 . Specific important conditions such as infection, @entity5 were not missed on the lateral view alone, in our study population. The radiation burden is reduced by 75% by omitting the AP view. CONCLUSION: A single lateral view is an adequate examination, with the proviso that @entity2720 is not assessed on this view and some pars defects and facet joint degenerative changes may be overlooked. The radiation protection gains are considerable. A single lateral lumbar view is now our routine practice unless @entity6592 is a specific clinical concern.
