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Thoracic spine x-ray - Risks

Alternative Names

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

What the risks are:

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.

Special considerations:

The x-ray will not detect problems in the muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues, because they can't be seen well on an x-ray.

Skeletal spine

Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)

Vertebral column

Intervertebral disk

Anterior skeletal anatomy

Reviewed last on: 7/18/2007
Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Thoracic spine x-ray - Risks

Alternative Names

What the risks are:

Special considerations: