Evaluation of Optimized Lumbar Oblique X-Ray Angles with Positioning Assistance for Enhanced Imaging Quality: A Pilot Study in an Asian Cohort

<b>Objective:</b> Pars fractures are a common cause of lower back pain, especially among young individuals. Although computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning are commonly used in developed regions, traditional radiography remains the main diagnostic method i...

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Main Authors: Yu-Li Wang, Hsin-Yueeh Su, Chao-Min Cheng, Kuei-Chen Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/23
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author Yu-Li Wang
Hsin-Yueeh Su
Chao-Min Cheng
Kuei-Chen Lee
author_facet Yu-Li Wang
Hsin-Yueeh Su
Chao-Min Cheng
Kuei-Chen Lee
author_sort Yu-Li Wang
collection DOAJ
description <b>Objective:</b> Pars fractures are a common cause of lower back pain, especially among young individuals. Although computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning are commonly used in developed regions, traditional radiography remains the main diagnostic method in many developing countries. This study assessed whether the standard radiographic angles suggested in textbooks are optimal for an Asian population since Asian groups have lower lumbar lordosis. This study found a 35° angle to be the most effective angle for lumbar oblique X-ray imaging. Additionally, the potential for a customized positioning auxiliary device was examined to improve image quality and reduce patient discomfort in cost-sensitive healthcare settings like Taiwan’s single-payer system. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 100 participants underwent lumbar oblique radiography using a specially designed footboard with angle markings. Radiologists evaluated 600 images based on waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index to identify the optimal angulation for various body types. <b>Results:</b> For individuals with a WHR of 0.85, a 35° angle provided superior image quality, while 45° was more effective for slimmer patients. This optimized approach indicates the cost-effectiveness and diagnostic value of traditional X-ray imaging. <b>Conclusions:</b> The 35° angulation standardizes lumbar X-ray imaging for an Asian cohort, reducing repeat scans and improving accuracy. Using a positioning device further enhances image quality and patient comfort, supporting the clinical utility of traditional radiography in resource-limited environments.
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spelling doaj-art-eab1a106b248483c8d0cd4298b48f8e92025-08-20T03:43:39ZengMDPI AGJournal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology2411-51422025-01-011012310.3390/jfmk10010023Evaluation of Optimized Lumbar Oblique X-Ray Angles with Positioning Assistance for Enhanced Imaging Quality: A Pilot Study in an Asian CohortYu-Li Wang0Hsin-Yueeh Su1Chao-Min Cheng2Kuei-Chen Lee3Department of Surgery, Hualien Armed Force General Hospital, Hualien 971, TaiwanDepartment of Radiology, Hualien Armed Force General Hospital, Hualien 971, TaiwanInstitute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, TaiwanDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan<b>Objective:</b> Pars fractures are a common cause of lower back pain, especially among young individuals. Although computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning are commonly used in developed regions, traditional radiography remains the main diagnostic method in many developing countries. This study assessed whether the standard radiographic angles suggested in textbooks are optimal for an Asian population since Asian groups have lower lumbar lordosis. This study found a 35° angle to be the most effective angle for lumbar oblique X-ray imaging. Additionally, the potential for a customized positioning auxiliary device was examined to improve image quality and reduce patient discomfort in cost-sensitive healthcare settings like Taiwan’s single-payer system. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 100 participants underwent lumbar oblique radiography using a specially designed footboard with angle markings. Radiologists evaluated 600 images based on waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index to identify the optimal angulation for various body types. <b>Results:</b> For individuals with a WHR of 0.85, a 35° angle provided superior image quality, while 45° was more effective for slimmer patients. This optimized approach indicates the cost-effectiveness and diagnostic value of traditional X-ray imaging. <b>Conclusions:</b> The 35° angulation standardizes lumbar X-ray imaging for an Asian cohort, reducing repeat scans and improving accuracy. Using a positioning device further enhances image quality and patient comfort, supporting the clinical utility of traditional radiography in resource-limited environments.https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/23oblique examinationpositioning auxiliary device3D manufacturespondylolisthesisimage quality
spellingShingle Yu-Li Wang
Hsin-Yueeh Su
Chao-Min Cheng
Kuei-Chen Lee
Evaluation of Optimized Lumbar Oblique X-Ray Angles with Positioning Assistance for Enhanced Imaging Quality: A Pilot Study in an Asian Cohort
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
oblique examination
positioning auxiliary device
3D manufacture
spondylolisthesis
image quality
title Evaluation of Optimized Lumbar Oblique X-Ray Angles with Positioning Assistance for Enhanced Imaging Quality: A Pilot Study in an Asian Cohort
title_full Evaluation of Optimized Lumbar Oblique X-Ray Angles with Positioning Assistance for Enhanced Imaging Quality: A Pilot Study in an Asian Cohort
title_fullStr Evaluation of Optimized Lumbar Oblique X-Ray Angles with Positioning Assistance for Enhanced Imaging Quality: A Pilot Study in an Asian Cohort
title_full_unstemmed Evaluation of Optimized Lumbar Oblique X-Ray Angles with Positioning Assistance for Enhanced Imaging Quality: A Pilot Study in an Asian Cohort
title_short Evaluation of Optimized Lumbar Oblique X-Ray Angles with Positioning Assistance for Enhanced Imaging Quality: A Pilot Study in an Asian Cohort
title_sort evaluation of optimized lumbar oblique x ray angles with positioning assistance for enhanced imaging quality a pilot study in an asian cohort
topic oblique examination
positioning auxiliary device
3D manufacture
spondylolisthesis
image quality
url https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/23
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AT chaomincheng evaluationofoptimizedlumbarobliquexrayangleswithpositioningassistanceforenhancedimagingqualityapilotstudyinanasiancohort
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