CPT® Code 72090

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A radiologic examination of the spine, specifically a scoliosis study, is performed to assess the presence or absence of scoliosis, which is a condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. This examination aims to identify the location of the curvature, the type of scoliosis, and the degree of curvature present in the patient. The procedure utilizes X-ray technology, which employs indirect ionizing radiation to create images of the internal structures of the body. X-rays are particularly effective in imaging non-uniform materials, such as human tissue, due to the varying densities and compositions of these materials. As a result, some X-rays are absorbed while others pass through, allowing for the creation of a two-dimensional image on a detector positioned behind the patient. During the scoliosis study, multiple views of the spine are typically captured, including posteroanterior (PA), frontal, and lateral perspectives, while the patient is in an erect or upright position. For the PA view, the patient stands in front of a vertical grid with their knees together and legs fully extended. In the lateral view, the patient's arms are positioned straight out in front of them, rather than overhead, to provide a clearer visualization of the spinal curvature. Additionally, images are also obtained while the patient is lying supine (face up), ensuring that the entire spine is included in the field of view. The examination measures the vertebral bodies that are most tilted above and below the apex of the spinal curve, using intersecting lines to determine the degree of curvature accurately.