Lumbar spine radiography is classified as a relatively high dose
examination which irradiates the radiosensitive reproductive organs
of both males and females. Radiographic imaging of the
lumbar spine accounts for 2.1% of all conventional X-ray examinations
and 2.2% of the collective dose within the United Kingdom
(UK).1 One simple but effective method of radiation dose reduction
is the replacement of the traditionally performed anteroposterior
(AP) projection with the posteroanterior (PA) projection. Martin
(2007), in a recent review of the literature, found evidence that PA
projections are often favoured over an AP projection on occasions
where radiosensitive organs are lying closest to the anterior surface
of the body.2 Despite this it is still common practice for the majority
of UK departments to perform lumbar spine examinations using
the AP position