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Related Experiment Videos

Radiologic interpretation of vacuum phenomena

A R Balkissoon1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298-0615, USA.

Critical Reviews in Diagnostic Imaging
|October 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Gas accumulation, known as vacuum phenomena, can occur in joints and the spine. Spinal vacuums indicate disc degeneration, while peripheral vacuums can rule out joint effusions.

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Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Orthopedics
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Vacuum phenomena involve gas accumulation, primarily nitrogen, in peripheral joints or the spine.
  • These phenomena can occur under both physiological and pathological conditions.
  • Spinal vacuums are associated with intervertebral disc degeneration and vertebral body conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the appearance, clinical significance, pathogenesis, and potential pitfalls of spinal and extra-spinal vacuum phenomena.
  • To highlight the utility of peripheral vacuums in excluding joint effusions.
  • To discuss intraosseous vacuum within vertebral bodies, often linked to osteonecrosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on vacuum phenomena in joints and the spine.
  • Analysis of imaging findings associated with spinal and peripheral vacuums.
  • Discussion of the underlying physiological and pathological mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Spinal vacuums are indicative of intervertebral osteochondrosis, spondylosis deformans, Schmorl's nodes, and limbus vertebrae.
  • Intraosseous vacuum in vertebral bodies is often related to osteonecrosis.
  • Peripheral vacuums are typically absent in the presence of joint fluid, aiding in the exclusion of joint effusions.

Conclusions:

  • Vacuum phenomena, both spinal and peripheral, have significant diagnostic implications.
  • Understanding these phenomena aids in diagnosing various spinal and joint conditions.
  • Peripheral vacuums serve as a valuable non-invasive tool for ruling out joint effusions.

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