What is the meaning of vacuum disc phenomenon?

What is the meaning of vacuum disc phenomenon?

What is the meaning of vacuum disc 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.

Is vacuum disc phenomenon painful?

VP in the spinal canal is a result of pneumorrhachis. The common source of the air is the continuous degeneration of a spinal disk that leads to gas spread into the spinal canal. The finding is usually incidental and asymptomatic but might also be associated with discogenic pain.

What does moderate degenerative disc disease mean?

Degenerative disc disease is an age-related condition that happens when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorates or breaks down, leading to pain. There may be weakness, numbness, and pain that radiates down the leg.

Does vacuum disc phenomenon require surgery?

In cases of gas accumulation in the spinal canal, discogenic pain may occur. Surgical therapy is still an acceptable method for the treatment of vacuum disc phenomenon and accumulation of gas within the spinal canal.

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 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.

How do you fix vacuum disc phenomenon?

Can vacuum disc phenomenon be caused by trauma?

Vacuum disc phenomenon at multiple lumbar spinal levels with nitrogen bubbles (arrows) leaking into the spinal fluid. Intervertebral osteochondrosis can also occur secondarily as a consequence of direct trauma or in association with metabolic disease, i.e., pseudogout, or both.

What is the definition of vacuum disc disease?

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.

Which is an example of the intervertebral disc vacuum phenomenon?

This phenomenon is asymptomatic. This commonly occurs in association with intervertebral disc degenerative disease. However, the presence of gas does not categorically imply merely degenerative disc disease, as other processes can lead to discs containing gas. Examples of other conditions with gas include:

What is severe degenerative disc disease ( DDD )?

DDD is the deterioration of one or more intervertebral discs of the spinal column. It typically involves the low back (lumbar) or the neck (cervical) portions of the spine. With severe degenerative disc disease (SDDD), the spine becomes unstable.

What happens in Stage 3 degenerative disc disease?

Stage 3 is marked by a more extreme change in the posture and curvature of the spine, along with more pain and loss of mobility. Nerve damage is common and scar tissue typically begins to form. Discs are even thinner than before, which can sometimes cause even more deformation of the bones.

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.

How does spinal gas accumulation cause lumbar discogenic disease?

Spinal gas accumulation causing lumbar discogenic disease: a case report Vacuum disc phenomenon is seen frequently with degenerative disc disease and is characterized by the collection of gas in the disc space.

What are the effects of anterior vacuum disc?

The Effects of Anterior Vacuum Disc on Surgical Outcomes of Degenerative versus Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis: At a Minimum Two-year Follow-up. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2014;15:329.

How does lumbar degenerative disc disease affect the spine?

Lumbar (low back) degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition in aging adults. The intervertebral discs serve as the spine’s shock absorbers and, as we age, discs gradually dry out, losing strength and resiliency.