Full Spine Lateral (Stitching)
Entire spine in lateral view (C1 → pelvis) for assessment of sagittal curves (lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, sagittal balance) and curves associated with scoliosis.
Patient standing with the side against the detector.
Arms raised anteriorly (to free the posterior structures).
Feet shoulder-width apart.
Sequential acquisition with software stitching.
Central ray: perpendicular to the IR.
T6–T7
85–95 kV · 20–35 mAs per segment
SID ~150–180 cm · grid required
85–95 kV · 30–50 mAs per segment · SID ~150–180 cm
Entire spine from C1 to the pelvis included.
Pelvis included for sagittal balance and pelvic obliquity assessment.
Sagittal curves assessable throughout.
No misalignment between segments.
Pelvis not included.
Arms not sufficiently raised (superimposition over the vertebrae).
Movement between acquisitions.
Extreme vertebrae not included.
Essential for measuring lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis and sagittal balance.
Always perform paired with the AP for complete scoliosis assessment.
Always perform weight-bearing.
Paediatric/adolescent patient (<18 years): routine gonadal shielding no longer recommended (AAPM 2021); tight collimation; prefer low-dose systems (EOS/LODOX) if available.