Which standard views comprise the thoracic spine examination?

• A. AP (or PA) and lateral thoracic spine
• B. AP and oblique thoracic
• C. Lateral only
• D. AP pelvis

Answer: (A)

The standard thoracic spine exam uses two views: a frontal projection (AP or PA) and a lateral view. The frontal view shows the vertebral bodies, pedicles, and overall alignment across the thoracic region, helping identify gross deformities or lesions. The lateral view provides the sagittal plane information, revealing anterior-posterior relationships, vertebral body heights, and disc spaces, and is essential for spotting compression fractures or kyphosis. Together, these two views give a complete assessment of thoracic spine structure and pathology. An oblique thoracic view isn’t part of the routine thoracic spine exam, and a pelvis view doesn’t image the thoracic spine.