RADIATION DIAGNOSIS OF INSTABILITY IN CERVICAL AND LUMBAR SPINE VERTEBROMOTOR SEGMENTS

Abstract

The spine is a complex biomechanical system with dual support and protection function that can adapt to different loads. The vertebromotor segment function depends on the structure of the vertebrae and intervertebral disc, mechanical strength of the structures that provide stability in this department. In a stable segment, the normal relationship between the vertebrae is maintained, which prevents their deformation and pain under normal physiological stress. It is also important to protect the spinal cord, nerve roots and minimize energy expenditure. Instability of the vertebromotor segment is manifested in its pathological mobility, among the causes of which are degenerative changes in the discs, intervertebral joints and musculoskeletal system, recurrent microtraumas, inflammatory processes, developmental abnormalities, genetic diseases. There is a relationship between the degree of spinal motor segment instability and the degeneration severity in the discs. The most common method of radiological diagnosis of instability of the spinal motor segment is functional radiography, which is performed either in projection with flexion and extension, or with passive axial traction and compression. Multislice computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are also used to diagnose this condition. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the most accurate method of diagnosing degenerative pathologies of the spine. The range of use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, in particular the spinal motor segment, is expanding. In the study of instability of the cervical and lumbar spine, it is appropriate to use all methods of radiological diagnosis. X−rays, in addition to detecting vertebral displacement, can assess other changes in them, and magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound better detect degenerative changes in the discs. Key words: instability of vertebromotor segments, functional radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging.