Is vacuum disc phenomenon serious?
Is vacuum disc phenomenon serious?
Vacuum disc phenomenon is seen frequently with degenerative disc disease and is characterized by the collection of gas in the disc space. Although the accumulation of gas within the disc space does not have clinical significance, symptoms may develop when occurring within the spinal canal.
What does it mean to have a vacuum phenomenon?
Introduction: Vacuum phenomenon involves one or more intervertebral discs and can be caused by an accumulation of gas with the disc(s). It usually represents advanced disc degeneration. Since discs are integral to anterior spinal support, vacuum disc is considered to be a sign of instability.
What causes vacuum disc phenomenon?
Vacuum phenomenon is caused by the liberation of gas, composed of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, in the disc as it degenerates9,18). If annulus fibrosus tears, the air can be released and collected in the epidural space.
What is a vacuum disc in your back?
Vacuum disc phenomenon is a collection of gas in the intervertebral disc space but rarely causes nerve compression. However, some rare type of vacuum phenomenon in the spinal canal may bring about posterior gas displacement within the epidural space.
What is dysplastic spondylolisthesis?
Dysplastic This type of spondylolisthesis is caused by a birth defect resulting in abnormal facet formation. 3. Isthmic Spondylolisthesis of this type is caused by a defect in a part of the vertebra called the pars interarticularis. 4. Degenerative Degenerative spondylolisthesis is due to arthritis causing misalignment of the spine.
What is the pathophysiology of isthmic spondylolisthesis?
Isthmic spondylolisthesis results from defects in the pars interarticularis. The cause of isthmic spondylolisthesis is undetermined, but a possible etiology includes microtrauma in adolescence related to sports such as wrestling, football, and gymnastics, where repeated lumbar extension occurs.
Does spondylolysis lead to spondolisthesis (slippage)?
Often adolescents are pulled from their sports participation because of fears that their spondylolysis will lead to spondylolisthesis (slippage of the affected vertebra) and that the slippage will become so severe as to cause permanent damage or paralysis.
What causes pars interarticularis to elongate in spondylolisthesis?
An elongation of the pars interarticularis can be seen in congenital spondylolisthesis, in which the pars lesion is due to a congenital anomaly of the L5-S1 facet articulation. As the slip progresses, the pars elongates in response to the deformity.
