Thoracic spine x-ray

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Anterior skeletal anatomy	Intervertebral disk	Skeletal spine	Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)
Vertebral column

A thoracic spine x-ray is an x-ray of the 12 chest (thoracic) vertebrae. The vertebrae are separated by flat pads of cartilage that cushion them.

Vertebral radiography; X-ray - spine; Thoracic x-ray; Spine x-ray; Thoracic spine films; Back films

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider’s office by an x-ray technician. You will lie on the x-ray table and assume various positions. If the x-ray is to determine an injury, care will be taken to prevent further injury.

The x-ray machine will be positioned over the thoracic area of the spine. You will hold your breath as the picture is taken, so that the picture will not be blurry. Usually 2 or 3 views are needed.

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

Th test causes no discomfort. The table may be cold.

The x-ray helps evaluate bone injuries, disease of the bone, tumors of the bone, or cartilage loss.

Review Date: 08/03/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Gross, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.