External anatomic landmarks of the abdomen related to vertebral segments: applications in cross-sectional imaging.

Palpable external anatomic landmarks including the xyphoid tip, ends of the eleventh ribs, umbilicus, iliac crests, anterior superior iliac spines, and symphysis pubis were studied in relation to vertebral segments posterior to these landmarks. Results of CT and ultrasound studies, localized according to external abdominal landmarks, can thus be correlated with other radiologic studies in which abnormalities are localized by vertebral level.