Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Degenerative spondylolisthesis at L5-S1. (A) CT sagittal view of a low grade slip. (B) Lateral radiograph pre-operative intervention. (C) Surgically treated with L5–S1 decompression, instrumented fusion and placement of an interbody graft between L5 and S1. Both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques are used to treat anterolisthesis ...
These cannot be determined by plain films, as the x-ray passes through the soft tissue. A study by Giles et al., stated that sixteen of the thirty patients (53%) had retrolisthesis of L5 on S1 ranging from 2–9 mm; these patients had either intervertebral disc bulging or protrusion on CT examination ranging from 3–7 mm into the spinal canal.
MRI is a newer technique used to diagnose spondylolysis and is favorable for a few reasons. The MRI is much more accurate than the x-ray and also does not use radiation. The MRI uses powerful magnets and radio frequencies to produce very detailed images of many different densities of tissue including bone and soft tissues. [13] [16]
The majority of disc herniations occur in the lumbar spine (95% at L4–L5 or L5–S1). [21] The second most common site is the cervical region (C5–C6, C6–C7). The thoracic region accounts for only 1–2% of cases.
It occurs near lumbar vertebral levels 1 (L1) and 2 (L2), occasionally lower. [1] [2] The upper end of the conus medullaris is usually not well defined, however, its corresponding spinal cord segments are usually S1–S5. After the spinal cord tapers out, the spinal nerves continue to branch out diagonally, forming the cauda equina. [1]
[58] [59] Loss of bone density (bone demineralization), thought to be due to lack of input from weakened or paralysed muscles, can increase the risk of fractures. [60] Conversely, a poorly understood phenomenon is the overgrowth of bone tissue in soft tissue areas, called heterotopic ossification. [61]
In a split cord malformation, some portion of the spinal cord is divided into parallel halves. The thecal sac may be divided and surround each half with a spike of cartilage or bone dividing the halves (Type I), or both halves may be present within the same sac where the dura is bound to a band of fibrous tissue (Type II). [8]
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves and blood vessels at the level of the lumbar vertebrae. Spinal stenosis may also affect the cervical or thoracic region, in which case it is known as cervical spinal stenosis or thoracic spinal stenosis. Lumbar spinal stenosis can ...