Why is immobilization critical during spine radiographs?

• A. To prevent motion blur, ensure accurate assessment of alignment and pathology, and improve image quality.
• B. To prevent overexposure.
• C. To increase patient comfort.
• D. To reduce radiation dose.

Answer: (A)

Immobilization is essential because any movement during the exposure creates motion blur that blurs the fine details of the spine. Sharp, well-defined borders of the vertebral bodies, pedicles, facet joints, and disc spaces are needed to judge alignment, detect subtle injuries, and assess degenerative changes. When the spine stays still, measurements of alignment and comparisons over time become reliable, and pathologies such as fractures, dislocations, or abnormal curvatures are not obscured by motion. Immobilization also supports reproducible positioning across repeated views, which is crucial for follow-up exams. While comfort and reducing repeats can be aided by good immobilization, the primary purpose is to preserve image quality and diagnostic accuracy by eliminating motion.