Case of the Missing Vertebra: A Report of a Radiographic Stitching Error in a Scoliosis Patient.

CASE: A 14-year-old girl with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis underwent imaging in preparation for scoliosis surgery. Posteroanterior traction radiographs showed 4 lumbar vertebrae, while the standing film showed 5. Reconciliation with the component radiographs used for the traction showed the discrepancy was caused by a software error. She underwent surgical correction, and her recovery has been uncomplicated.

CONCLUSION

Image stitching errors can lead to false depiction of structural abnormalities. Radiology technicians and clinicians should be cautious when reviewing digitally stitched images. We recommend that technicians label stitched images and indicate the overlapping region to assist with radiographic assessment.