title: Interpreting the spinal X-ray: 1.
abstract: It has been assumed that all patients with injury, deformity or pain in the spine should be X-rayed and the films interpreted in the same way regardless of the condition suspected. This is not an effective approach and in part 1 of this article I will discuss the interpretation of the spinal X-ray of the injured patient. The interpretation of spinal X-rays of the patient who complains of pain or deformity will be covered in part 2, to be published in a subsequent issue of the Journal.
authors.affiliation: St James's University Hospital, Leeds.
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Butt
mesh_terms: D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging