Which body part is most commonly assessed using a lateral view?

The thoracic spine is most commonly assessed using a lateral view due to the anatomical structure and positioning that highlight the alignment and condition of the vertebrae. A lateral view provides a clear profile image, allowing radiologists and healthcare providers to evaluate the curvature of the spine, identify any abnormalities such as fractures, degenerative changes, or tumors, and assess the intervertebral spaces.

In contrast, while other body parts can indeed be imaged using a lateral view, they might not be the most common or standard practice. For example, a lateral view of the pelvis could be useful, but it's often assessed through anteroposterior and other angles for clarity in certain conditions. Similarly, while the head and neck are often examined laterally, other imaging modalities like CT or MRI are more commonly used for detailed studies. The abdomen is typically assessed using anteroposterior views for comprehensive evaluation, including organs and potential pathologies. Thus, the lateral view is particularly aligned with the thoracic spine for standard assessments in radiology.