An overview of radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of lumbar spine pathology.

When patients present with symptoms associated with lumbar spine pathology, often a series of diagnostic examinations of escalating sophistication are utilized. To obtain a diagnosis, the initial study is usually done on lumbar spine radiographs, which demonstrate gross bony pathologies, spinal alignment, and bone density. Frequently, additional high-cost invasive or noninvasive procedures may be required.