Spinecare Topics
Spinal Dysfunction
Yes, they can. An adjacent vertebrae can began to slip out of place relative to one another for a number of reasons. This can occur when there is a loss of support due to compromise of the ligaments, weakness of surrounding muscles or due to a loss of integrity of the facet joints. Severe compromise of the intervertebral disc can also lead to a greater tendency for excessive movement at the involved spinal level. X-ray can be sued to detect slippage of one vertebra relative to another. The degree of slippage is best determined with positional x-rays. An MRI study may confirm the presence of compromised supporting elements and may also confirm the abnormal relationship between adjacent vertebrae. When a CT scan is used to evaluate instability or slippage specialized 3D digital reconstruction can be performed. To help differentiate simple slippage versus spinal instability, positional x-rays need be performed. When this degree of movement is exceeded there is vertebral instability.
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