Vertebra

Upper thoracic vertebrae are hazy due to overlapping shoulders

Lower thoracic vertebra are seen clearly and uniform in density

• If portion of spine appears more dense than others, there may be superimposed lung lesion.

  • Lower spine will appear denser in left lower lobe atelectasis

Thoracic spine has a gentle convexity. Abnormalities include

• Kyphosis

• Gibbus

• Straight back

Common recognizable vertebral lesions

• Metastatic lesion

• Osteoporosis

• Vertebral fracture

• Osteophytes

• Osteomyelitis

  • Tuberculosis

• Ankylosing spondylitis

Pre spinal stripe is recognizable in left lung atelectasis