Ureteric Stones

There are three sites of anatomic narrowing of the ureter where stones may be arrested, namely, the pelviureteral junction, the pelvic brim, and where the ureter enters the bladder.

Most stones, although radiopaque, are small enough to be impossible to see definitely along the course of the ureter on plain radiographic examination. An intravenous pyelogram is usually necessary. The ureter runs down in front of the tips of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae, crosses the region of the sacroiliac joint, swings out to the ischial spine, and then turns medially to the bladder.