What is the standard radiographic view to assess global spinal alignment?

• A. Standing tibia/fibula views
• B. Standing pelvis views
• C. Standing full-spine AP and lateral views
• D. Prone cervical views

Answer: (C)

To assess global spinal alignment, you need an image that shows the entire spine in a standing, weight-bearing position in both planes. Standing full-spine AP and lateral radiographs provide the full spinal column in the coronal plane (AP) and the sagittal plane (lateral), letting you evaluate scoliosis, sagittal balance, and the overall relationship from head to pelvis in one study. Because the patient is standing, gravity reveals how the spine and pelvis align in real posture, which nondistortion or non–weight-bearing views cannot capture. The other options image only parts of the body or do not show the spine in a standing, weight-bearing posture, so they don’t provide the complete picture of global alignment.