The oblique view: an unnecessary component of the initial adult lumbar spine examination.

A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the diagnostic contribution of oblique views in 200 consecutive lumbar spine examinations done in adults. In four cases (two percent) there was a change in the radiographic interpretation when the oblique views were used for diagnosis. Considering the low diagnostic and therapeutic yield, as well as the gonadal radiation dose, the authors feel that the oblique view should not be a routine part of the initial lumbar spine examination in adults.