vacuum phenomenon

A linear or oval radiolucency in the intervertebral disc space that corresponds to gas, a typical finding of osteonecrosis. The sign is specific for local bone ischemia associated with a non-healing vertebral collapse and pseudarthrosis
DiffDx Vertebral osteomyelitis, Schmorl’s nodes, spondylosis deformans, necrotic vertebral collapse

vacuum phenomenon

Imaging A linear or oval radiolucency that corresponds to gas in the intervertebral space, most often seen in degenerative disk disease DiffDx Vertebral osteomyelitis, Schmorl's nodes, spondylosis deformans, necrotic vertebral collapse, often with loss of height and reactive osteosclerosis.

vacuum phenomenon

In radiographic studies, the appearance of gas within a joint space or bone, e.g., in a degenerated intravertebral disk.