How should the leg block be positioned during an L spine scan?

• A. Under the heels
• B. Under the knees
• C. Alongside the thighs
• D. Directly under the feet

Answer: (B)

During an L spine scan, the leg block is placed under the knees to help maintain the positioning of the patient and reduce the lordotic curve of the lumbar spine. This position supports proper alignment of the spine and can help to minimize artifact in the images. By placing the leg block under the knees, the patient's legs are elevated, which can provide a more accurate representation of the lumbar vertebrae in the region of interest. Proper positioning is crucial for achieving high-quality bone density measurements, as it directly affects the accuracy of the results. It's important that the lower extremities are aligned properly to ensure the scan focuses specifically on the lumbar spine without unintended movement or distortion caused by pressure on the area.