Is vacuum disc phenomenon serious?

Is vacuum disc phenomenon serious?

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.

What does vacuum phenomenon 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].

How does vacuum phenomenon occur?

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.

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 is a vacuum disc in spine?

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 a vacuum in the intervertebral disk?

Vacuum phenomena involving the intervertebral discs is usually a result of an accumulation of gas (principally nitrogen) within the crevices of the intervertebral discs or adjacent vertebrae.

What is the definition of vacuum disc disease?

Can a vacuum disc be treated with surgery?

Surgical therapy is still an acceptable method for the treatment of vacuum disc phenomenon and accumulation of gas within the spinal canal.

Can a vacuum disc cause discogenic pain?

The patient was pain-free on the first postoperative day. 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 is as vacuum disc in lumbar spine?

Answer: “Vacuum phenomenon” is a situation where either a spinal disc or a joint degenerates (wears out) and over time, as the cartilage erodes away, some gas bubbles build up in the joint space or inside the disc. It’s basically air. It shows up on X-rays as air inside the joint. It is an indirect sign of things wearing out,…

What are the causes of spinal disk desiccation?

The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, in between which are small fluid-filled discs. Desiccation of those discs is a common disorder caused by the tissues becoming dehydrated. The discs between the vertebrae in the spinal column absorb shock and impact and prevent the bones from rubbing against each other.

What is Spinal disk desiccation with vacuum phenomenon?

Vacuum disc phenomenon is a condition characterized by degeneration of the spinal/vertebral disc over some time, which occurs due to erosion of the cartilage and buildup of gas bubbles in the space occurring between and within the disc. The gas is just air, primarily nitrogen, and can be detected via X-rays.

What are spinal disks?

ANSWER. Spinal disks are rubbery pads between the vertebrae, the specialized bones that make up the spinal column. Doctors call them intervertebral disks.