Scottie Dog Sign

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: Scotty Dog sign

The Scotty Dog sign refers to the normal projection of the normal anatomical structures of a lumbar spine in an oblique X-ray.

Anatomy

The image of the Scottie Dog is composed of the following anatomical structures[^1]:

  • Nose: Transverse process

  • Eyes: Pedicle

  • Neck: Pars interarticularis

  • Forefoot: Inferior articular process of the facet joint

  • Ear: Superior articular process of the facet joint

Interpretation

The Scotty Dog sign is very useful in diagnosing a spondylolysis, where a defect in the pars interarticularis appears as a defect in the neck area of the Scotty Dog[^1].

Figure

Scottie Dogn Sign
Schematic representation of the Scottie Dogn Sign and the anatomical structures from which it is formed. Figure adapted from Baig et al. 2018.

Imaging

Scottie Dog Sign X-ray
X-ray showing the Scottie Dog Sign (black arrow, A). Figure adapted from Baig et al. 2018.