What does vacuum phenomenon L5-S1 disc space mean?
The vacuum phenomenon refers to gas formation within the disc space. A vacuum disc is considered to be at an advanced stage of disc degeneration and a source of low back pain[1].
Is vacuum disc phenomenon serious?
Vacuum phenomenon on radiographic studies is associated with a vertical instability and collapse, resulting in dynamic foraminal and lateral recess stenosis that should be treated surgically.
What does vacuum disk phenomenon mean?
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 causes vacuum phenomenon spine?
12) described the presence of free intraspinal gas, seen in 46% cases on CT examination. 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 the treatment for vacuum disc phenomenon?
Surgical therapy is still an acceptable method for the treatment of vacuum disc phenomenon and accumulation of gas within the spinal canal.
What are symptoms of vacuum phenomenon?
Conclusions: The present results suggested that vacuum phenomenon was related to lower back pain in the morning, lower back pain when standing up or rolling over, and lower back pain was influenced by changes in the weather.
How common is vacuum phenomenon?
It is quite common within the intervertebral discs of the elderly, where it can reach a prevalence of up to 20% 4 and it has been seen with an incidence of up to 8.6% in frog-leg-lateral radiographs in normal children 5. Vacuum phenomena can be physiological or within the scope of pathological processes.
What are the symptoms of vacuum phenomenon?