X-Ray Interpretation: Lumbo-Sacral Spine

Findings

Alignment

• AP view: The lumbar spine is straight in the coronal plane. No scoliosis or lateral curvature detected.
• Lateral view: Normal lumbar lordosis is preserved. No spondylolisthesis (no forward or backward slippage of any vertebral body).

Vertebral Bodies

• L1 through L5 vertebral body heights are well preserved.
• No compression fractures, wedging, or destructive (lytic/blastic) lesions.
• Bone mineralization appears normal for age - no osteopenia.

Intervertebral Disc Spaces

• Disc spaces at L1-L2 through L4-L5 are well maintained.
• L5-S1 disc space appears mildly narrowed compared to upper levels - this is a common finding and may be physiological, but should be correlated with symptoms (e.g., low back pain radiating to legs).
• No significant Schmorl's nodes on endplates.

Posterior Elements

• Pedicles are intact and symmetric bilaterally ("owl eye" appearance intact on AP view).
• No pars interarticularis defect (no spondylolysis) on the lateral view.
• Facet joints appear normally aligned without hypertrophic changes.
• Spinous and transverse processes are intact.

Sacrum & SI Joints

• Bilateral sacroiliac joints are symmetric with normal joint spaces.
• No sclerosis, erosions, or ankylosis (rules out early sacroiliitis/ankylosing spondylitis).
• Sacrum and visible iliac wings are structurally normal.

Degenerative Changes

• No marginal osteophytes or syndesmophytes seen along the lumbar vertebrae.
• No significant degenerative disc disease or lumbar spondylosis at this time.

Soft Tissues

• Paravertebral soft tissue shadows are unremarkable.

Impression

• No scoliosis
• No spondylolisthesis
• No spondylolysis
• No fracture
• No significant degenerative disc disease
• Normal SI joints

Important: This is an AI-assisted interpretation for informational purposes. Plain X-rays have limited sensitivity for soft tissue pathology (disc herniations, nerve root compression, early facet arthropathy). If the patient has persistent back pain, leg pain/weakness, or neurological symptoms, an MRI of the lumbo-sacral spine would provide far more diagnostic information. Final interpretation must be made by a qualified radiologist.