​Lateral Vertebral Assessment

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Spine (vertebral) osteoporotic fractures can develop gradually over time and often cause no symptoms so go undetected. Standard lateral X-rays can detect vertebral fractures, but due to radiation dose can not be used indiscriminately for screening of individuals without symptoms.

Lateral vertebral assessment (LVA) is a very low dose lateral (side) X-ray of the spine using a DXA scanner which can detect previous moderate and severe vertebral fractures. The identification of a previously unknown vertebral fracture indicates a much higher risk of a further fracture and often warrant treatment.

St Vincent's Clinic Densitometry is one of only a few sites in Sydney to offer LVA.​