Sacrum x-ray is a radiography examination carried out to assess the state of the bone structures of this anatomical formation. It is prescribed for suspected sacral fracture, developmental abnormalities, certain diseases and pains of unclear etiology. The standard examination is performed in two projections (straight and lateral). A direct picture is taken in a supine position with bent legs. The radiograph in the lateral projection is performed in a position on the side, the patient’s legs are bent at the knee and hip joints.
Indications
Performing sacrum x-ray is necessary when a number of unpleasant symptoms occur. Namely:
- pain in the sacrum;
- there was a feeling of “goosebumps”, the skin in the sacrum area tingles and tingles, numbness appeared;
- I can’t bend or straighten up;
- curvature of the spine is visible.
Performing an X-ray of this area will help to understand the reason why the patient encountered discomfort. Before undergoing such a diagnosis, it is worth finding out what the sacrum X-ray procedure shows. When studying the image, the doctor will be able to identify:
- traumatic injuries of the sacrum can be various violations of the integrity of the bone, however, a fracture of the sacrum as an independent injury is rare, most often it happens in conjunction with damage to neighboring structures;
- displacement of the 5th lumbar vertebra, which leads to pain in the sacrum;
- defeat by microorganisms – tuberculosis, staphylococci, etc.;
- developmental pathologies;
- sacral tumors;
- arthrosis;
- osteochondrosis.
If the cause of the pain is inflammation of the nerve endings or other soft tissues, one X-ray may not be enough – the doctor will prescribe additional studies.
Preparation
Preparation for sacral x-ray should include a diet. A few days before the procedure, you will need to abandon all products that cause increased gas formation. These include sweets, cabbage, flour, apples, etc. On the eve of the day when it will be necessary to come for an X-ray, a cleansing enema is performed, it is repeated two hours before the procedure. It is also worth noting that before conducting the study, you need to remove all metal jewelry and accessories, as well as clothes with metal inserts, since they negatively affect the quality of the pictures.
Methodology of conducting
Sacrum x-ray, as a rule, are done in direct and lateral projections. This is enough to visualize the structures and examine their condition. To start the diagnosis, the patient is asked to lie down on a special table. When performing sacrum x-ray, a picture is also taken of a part of the spine in the lumbar region and the coccyx. This allows you to determine if there are problems with the vertebrae, their size and condition, since the sacrum often hurts due to diseases of adjacent vertebrae. The procedure of sacrum x-ray itself takes very little time. It is necessary to spend about five minutes in the office, after which the patient will be asked to wait outside the office while the doctor draws up a conclusion. An important advantage of the procedure is that it does not require surgical intervention in the body and does not cause any discomfort.
Interpretation of results
Upon completion of the sacrum x-ray, the radiologist will draw up a conclusion. In the process of studying the images, the following are evaluated: bone surfaces, the integrity of bone tissue, the presence of neoplasms and the condition of joints. Together with the conclusion, the patient will be given pictures with which to go to the attending physician to establish a diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment tactics.