Skeletal Trauma > Thoracic Spine > Normal Anatomy

Thoracic Spine Anatomy

The following radiographs show normal thoracic spine anatomy.
AP View	Lateral View
The routine examination consists of AP and lateral views. The lateral view is obtained during quiet respiration to blur out the overlying pulmonary vessels. In the normal spine, the anterior cortex should have a smooth margin in the lateral view. Also on lateral view, vertebral bodies and disc spaces get larger with caudal progression. On the AP view, a paravertebral soft tissue line can usually be seen. Any displacement of this line can be a sign of swelling helpful for the diagnosis of injury.